AEMCA Practice Exam

Antipsychotic medications typically target which neurotransmitter in the brain?

1. Serotonin

2. Norepinephrine

3. Dopamine

4. GABA

The correct answer is: Dopamine

Antipsychotic medications primarily target dopamine in the brain, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, behavior, and cognition. Research has shown that an imbalance in dopamine levels, particularly an overactivity of dopamine transmission, is associated with various symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions. Most traditional antipsychotics function as dopamine antagonists, meaning they block dopamine receptors, particularly the D2 subtype, thereby reducing the excess dopamine activity that contributes to psychotic symptoms. Atypical antipsychotics also influence serotonin receptors, but their main therapeutic effect is still closely linked to the modulation of dopamine neurotransmission. In contrast, while serotonin is targeted by some antipsychotics, norepinephrine and GABA are not the primary neurotransmitter targets for the treatment of psychosis, making dopamine the central focus in the action of antipsychotic medications.