Antipsychotics are drugs that alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia and psychotic episodes. These medications are considered highly effective interventions for mitigating “positive symptoms” such as hallucinations (e.g. hearing voices) and various types of delusions (e.g. assuming others are plotting against you). Approved uses for antipsychotics include treating individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and cases of …
Psychosis is a condition that is commonly associated with the mental illness schizophrenia. It is defined as a detachment from reality and hallmark symptoms include delusions (beliefs that aren’t based in reality) and hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling stimuli that aren’t real). Those with psychosis are usually admitted to a psychiatric ward and/or hospital and …
Psychosis is often defined as a loss of contact with reality and is generally considered a common symptom of severe mental illness like schizophrenia. Individuals experiencing psychosis may end up dealing with hallucinations (auditory and/or visual), delusions (beliefs with no basis in reality), and an array of other symptoms. While schizophrenia is generally a root …
Latuda (Lurasidone) is a new atypical antipsychotic drug that is approved for the treatment of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder (type 1) as well as schizophrenia. It is considered a relatively new drug as it was just approved in 2013 to treat depressive episodes for people with bipolar I disorder. This drug is somewhat unique …
Seroquel (Quetiapine) is a short-acting atypical anitpsychotic drug that is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In some cases it is also used as an antidepressant augmentation strategy to treat major depression. It is sometimes used to help manage Alzheimer’s disease and is used at low doses for the treatment of insomnia. Despite …
LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) also known as “acid” is a drug that is commonly used to experience unique psychological effects. It is a psychedelic substance that when taken can lead a person to experience an altered perception of reality. For example, the person may think differently, see “visuals” with eyes closed or open, and they …
Many people are prescribed antipsychotic drugs even if they do not have conditions that necessarily warrant their use. The most commonly treated conditions with antipsychotic medications include: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and psychotic depression. If you have a condition like schizophrenia that results in auditory hallucinations, feelings of paranoia, and various types of delusions, …