What type of antipsychotics is noted for having a fast response for depression?

Atypical antipsychotics are known for their fast response in treating symptoms of depression, particularly in cases where patients may also experience mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or treatment-resistant depression. These medications, which include drugs like aripiprazole, quetiapine, and lurasidone, have been found to not only help in managing psychotic symptoms but also to provide a rapid therapeutic effect on mood as well.

The mechanism of action for atypical antipsychotics involves a broader spectrum of neurotransmitter modulation, including serotonin and dopamine receptors. This multimodal activity allows for a quicker alleviation of depressive symptoms compared to typical antipsychotics, which primarily act on dopamine receptors. As a result, atypical antipsychotics can be an effective option for patients who present with both depression and psychotic symptoms, facilitating a quicker stabilization of their mood.

While typical antipsychotics and older antipsychotics focus more on dopamine antagonism and may be effective in treating psychotic symptoms, they do not generally have the same level of efficacy in rapid mood improvement associated with depressive episodes. Combination antipsychotics could provide benefits but usually refer to the practice of using two different antipsychotics together and do not represent