Antipsychotics
Domain : Involvement in research
Category : Medication treatments
Simplified definition
A class of drugs used to stabilize mood and treat behavior issues or symptoms or some mental illnesses.
Source: Houria Aiouaz, for Alzheimer Foundation
Referenced definition
“Antipsychotics, also called neuroleptics, are a class of compounds with a high affinity for several subtypes of dopamine receptors.”
Source: Web.Williams.Edu. Dopamine Receptor Blockade: Antipsychotic Drugs. [Internet]. [cited on Sept 7, 2022].
Context
“Some antipsychotics can have a small but significant beneficial effect on agitation, aggression and, to a lesser extent, psychosis in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Improvements are normally only seen once these drugs have been taken for several weeks.”
Source: Alzheimer’s Society. Antipsychotics and other drug approaches in dementia care. [Internet]. [cited on Sept 7, 2022].
Note
- These drugs have effects on the symptoms of AD, but have significant side effects on health.
- Antipsychotics are contraindicated in Lewy body dementia as they cause significant side effects and can lead to death in 80% of cases.
Synonym(s)
Antipsychotic drugs / NeurolepticsGO FURTHER
