Antipsychotics are a category of medication. They can be used to treat various mental health conditions. Antipsychotics are used for a range of symptoms, not just psychosis. Frequently prescribed antipsychotics include ziprasidone, quetiapine and aripiprazole. These medications work by affecting the chemicals in the brain. Your mental health treatment provider may prescribe an antipsychotic as a primary treatment or as an add-on. When used in conjunction with other drugs, some can enhance the overall effect of other medications. Learning about the symptoms that can be treated with antipsychotic drugs can help you get an idea of whether they may be beneficial for your condition.

5 symptoms that antipsychotic drugs are used to treat

Antipsychotics can bring to mind conditions such as schizophrenia. If you don’t experience psychosis, it may not be clear how antipsychotics could help you; however, antipsychotics are a fairly flexible class of medications. They can help treat mood disorders including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. They’re also used to address anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here are five symptoms that antipsychotic drugs are used to treat:

• Anxiety — Research shows that prescriptions of antipsychotics for anxiety are common. Antipsychotics are primarily approved for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Some antipsychotics, however, are prescribed off-label for anxiety treatment. Your treatment provider may prescribe antipsychotics when other medications have not brought relief. These drugs may also be prescribed as a supplementary treatment. If your current anxiety treatment isn’t working, it may help to ask your provider about antipsychotics.
• Mood cycles — Generally speaking, bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme moods that cycle severely. These mood cycles include manic and depressive periods. During a manic period, you may feel impulsive and full of energy. This can then shift to periods of depression. If you experience extreme mood cycles, antipsychotics may be beneficial. Antipsychotics directly affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood. Some, like aripiprazole, work by improving the balance of serotonin and dopamine. Maintaining a good neurotransmitter balance can help reduce the intensity of mood cycles. With the right medication, you may experience reduced symptoms and more stable moods.
• Irritability — Irritability is a relatively common mental health symptom. It can be a symptom of depression, anxiety, PTSD and other conditions. Left untreated, irritable moods can become more intense and may lead to outwardly aggressive behaviors and even violence. A low dose of an antipsychotic may help to reduce your irritability and prevent escalation. Antipsychotic medications can be useful in reducing impulsivity and aggression, which can make it easier for you to handle everyday conflicts. To make lasting progress, you may also want to seek psychotherapy. Speaking to a therapist can help you process your feelings. You can also discover better forms of conflict resolution. 
• Sleep disturbances — Disorders like anxiety and PTSD can have a major impact on a person’s sleep. These conditions can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. Poor sleep can lead to further issues: Sleep deficiencies can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, low mood and more. When you’re working to improve your mental health, improving your sleep can be a crucial step. Antipsychotics might help. When other sleep aids don’t work, antipsychotics may reduce restlessness. Research shows that some atypical antipsychotics have long-term efficacy in managing chronic insomnia. They can sometimes offer breakthroughs where other treatments have not worked. Antipsychotics aren’t usually prescribed as a first-line treatment for insomnia, however, due to potential risks that can outweigh the benefits of medication.
• Intrusive thoughts — Intrusive thoughts are often difficult to manage. These thoughts may arise with conditions like PTSD and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and can lead to significant emotional distress. If you experience intrusive thoughts, finding an effective treatment is important. Antipsychotics, when used in conjunction with other treatments, can help reduce the intensity of intrusive thoughts. Although medication may not fully address your intrusive thoughts, it can help with management as you work toward long-term improvement. If you’re looking to change your thought patterns and build coping skills, comprehensive mental health treatment can help. Your treatment provider can help determine which level of care is right for you.

Lightfully can help you identify and address your symptoms

Do you need help managing your medications and receiving other forms of mental health treatment? You can get the help you need at Lightfully. We offer multiple levels of evidence-based, clearly defined, compassionate and individualized care. Our Precision Care Model uses the best parts of treatment methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. With holistic mental health treatment tailored to your needs, you can get comprehensive support on each step of your journey. 

Change is possible. If you want to learn more about medications and other treatment options, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.