What is the primary action of antipsychotic agents in treating psychosis?

The primary action of antipsychotic agents in treating psychosis is to block dopamine action. This mechanism is particularly important in the context of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, where it is believed that an overactivity of dopamine pathways contributes to the symptoms experienced by patients, such as hallucinations and delusions.

Antipsychotic medications work by antagonizing dopamine receptors, primarily the D2 subtype, which helps to reduce the excessive dopaminergic activity associated with psychosis. By interfering with this pathway, antipsychotics can alleviate positive symptoms of psychosis, effectively leading to improved patient outcomes.

Other neurotransmitter systems play roles in mental health, but the primary pharmacological target for most antipsychotics remains the dopamine system. For example, while serotonin receptor stimulation might be relevant in mood disorders or affective symptoms, it is not the primary mechanism for antipsychotic efficacy. Similarly, while enhancing glutamate activity and inhibiting norepinephrine release can have therapeutic benefits in various contexts, these actions do not constitute the main action of antipsychotic agents in treating psychosis.