Question

Fill in the blanks: What two neurotransmitters in the body are targeted with atypical and typical antipsychotics? 1\. ____________________________________________________________________ 2\. ____________________________________________________________________

Short answer

1. Dopamine \n2. Serotonin

Step-by-step solution

Identify the neurotransmitters targeted by typical antipsychotics

Typical antipsychotics, also known as first-generation antipsychotics, majorly work by blocking the D2 dopamine receptors in the brain thus controlling dopamine levels.

Identify the neurotransmitters targeted by atypical antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotics, also known as second-generation antipsychotics, act on multiple neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin.

Key concepts

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are a class of medications used primarily to manage psychosis. This includes conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression.

• Typical Antipsychotics - Also known as first-generation antipsychotics, these medications mainly target dopamine receptors. They focus on reducing dopamine activity by blocking the D2 receptors, thus minimizing symptoms of psychosis that arise from excess dopamine.
• Atypical Antipsychotics - These are second-generation antipsychotics. They have a broader action scope by influencing not only dopamine receptors but also serotonin receptors. This makes them effective in treating a wider range of symptoms associated with mental health disorders.

Understanding the distinction between these two generations of antipsychotics is important as it helps determine which might be more effective for different symptoms and conditions.

Dopamine Receptors

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter associated with the brain's reward and pleasure systems. It also plays significant roles in movement, motivation, and emotion.

• Role of Dopamine in Psychosis - Elevated levels of dopamine are linked to symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and delusions. This is why typical antipsychotics are designed to block D2 receptors, aiming to dampen down these excess dopamine signals.
• Mechanism - By blocking these D2 receptors, typical antipsychotics effectively reduce dopamine activity. This helps relieve psychotic symptoms and stabilizes mood changes.

While effective, this can also lead to side effects such as tremors and stiffness, which are often associated with this class of medication.

Serotonin

Serotonin is another crucial neurotransmitter involved in many bodily functions. It is often known as the "feel good" neurotransmitter due to its influence on mood, emotion, and sleep.

• Serotonin's Role in Mental Health - By balancing serotonin levels in the brain, atypical antipsychotics are beneficial in controlling symptoms of depression and anxiety. This broadens their therapeutic impact beyond just controlling psychosis.
• Combining Effects - By affecting both serotonin and dopamine receptors, atypical antipsychotics offer a more balanced approach to treating mental disorders. This often leads to fewer extrapyramidal side effects compared to their first-generation counterparts.

The ability to influence serotonin makes atypical antipsychotics more versatile in treating mental health conditions, providing a more holistic management option for patients.