What types of disorders are antipsychotic medications primarily used to manage?

Antipsychotic medications are primarily used to manage psychotic disorders due to their effectiveness in addressing symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. These medications work by altering the effects of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, which is often dysregulated in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. By stabilizing these neurotransmitter levels, antipsychotics help improve the patients' overall mental state and functioning.

While antipsychotic medications may have some impact on other mental health conditions, their primary indication and the strongest evidence supporting their use lie in the treatment of psychotic disorders. Other types of disorders, such as neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders, do not benefit from antipsychotic treatment, as these conditions involve different pathophysiological processes that are not altered by the action of these medications. This targeted use illustrates the specific role of antipsychotics in psychiatric care and highlights their importance in managing severe mental health conditions.