The word “antipsychotic” can be intimidating—but these medications treat much more than psychosis. Today’s antipsychotics are used for conditions like bipolar disorder, severe depression, PTSD, and even anxiety.
Second-generation (or atypical) antipsychotics like aripiprazole, quetiapine, and risperidone work by adjusting dopamine and serotonin levels. They can help with intrusive thoughts, emotional swings, and agitation.
Like all medications, they have risks and require monitoring—weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar, especially. But when well-matched, they can dramatically improve quality of life.
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