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MEDICATIONS

Antipsychotic medications

Central to treating psychosis and schizophrenia; also used for mania, autism-related irritability and severe tics.

NeuroCoach · Evidence explorerSources checked October 5, 2026Editorial draft · clinical review pending

How it works

Antipsychotics mainly act on dopamine (and often serotonin) pathways. Choice depends on symptoms, side-effect profile and the person’s preferences; long-acting injectable forms exist.

What the evidence says, use by use

Evidence is specific to the condition, population and—for devices—the exact product. One label never covers everything.

Schizophrenia & Psychosis: Treating psychosis and preventing relapse

Established
Who was studied / who it’s for: Adults with psychosis or schizophreniaWhat this label means: Strong research and/or authoritative clinical guidelines support this specific use.

Psychosis guidelines recommend antipsychotic medication alongside psychological and family interventions; clozapine is recommended when two other antipsychotics haven’t worked.

Sources: NICE (UK) · NIMH

Bipolar Disorder: Treating mania

Established
Who was studied / who it’s for: Adults with bipolar disorderWhat this label means: Strong research and/or authoritative clinical guidelines support this specific use.

Certain antipsychotics are recommended for acute mania and some for long-term treatment.

Sources: NICE (UK)

Autism: Reducing severe irritability or behavior that challenges

Established
Who was studied / who it’s for: Autistic children and teens, when psychosocial approaches aren’t enoughRegulatory status: Risperidone and aripiprazole are FDA-approved for irritability associated with autism (specific ages).What this label means: Strong research and/or authoritative clinical guidelines support this specific use.

Some antipsychotics (risperidone, aripiprazole) are FDA-approved for irritability associated with autism. Guidance says to consider them only when other approaches are insufficient, and not for core autism features.

Sources: NICE (UK) · NIMH

Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorders: Reducing tics

Promising
Who was studied / who it’s for: Children and adults with troublesome ticsWhat this label means: Meaningful evidence exists for this use, but important questions remain—about size of benefit, who benefits, or long-term effects.

The AAN found moderate-confidence evidence that some antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, aripiprazole) reduce tics; side effects mean they’re weighed carefully.

Sources: American Academy of Neurology (2019)

Who usually provides it

Psychiatrists, neurologists and other prescribers.

Cautions & things to know

  • Weight gain, metabolic changes and movement side effects need regular monitoring (weight, blood sugar, lipids).
  • Clozapine requires regular blood monitoring.

Questions for a clinician

Conversation prompts, not a treatment plan.

  • Which side effects matter most to us, and how will we monitor them?
  • Is a long-acting injectable an option?

Educational, not medical advice. NeuroCoach is an educational and care-navigation resource, not a medical provider. Information about medications, supplements, therapies, devices, clinical trials and community experiences is provided for education and exploration and is not a recommendation, diagnosis or treatment plan. Evidence varies substantially among interventions. Decisions about medical or mental-health treatment should be made with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop or change medication, supplements or treatment based solely on information found here.

Sources

Sources checked October 5, 2026. Links support this page; they don’t imply endorsement of NeuroCoach.

  1. Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management (CG178) NICE (UK)
  2. Schizophrenia NIMH
  3. Bipolar disorder: assessment and management (CG185) NICE (UK)
  4. Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management (CG170) NICE (UK)
  5. Autism Spectrum Disorder NIMH
  6. Practice guideline: treatment of tics in people with Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders American Academy of Neurology (2019)