Final answer:
Antipsychotics are medications designed to decrease delusions and hallucinations caused by disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They work by blocking dopamine receptors and are typically a lifelong treatment alongside other therapies like psychotherapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antipsychotics are the class of medications used to decrease delusions and hallucinations, which are prevalent symptoms in certain psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These medications, which work by blocking dopamine receptors to decrease dopamine neurotransmission, are effective at managing psychosis, including symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, and disordered thought. Antipsychotics are also used alongside mood stabilizers for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
While antipsychotics can be very effective, they are not a cure for schizophrenia, and most patients must stay medicated for life. It's also important to consider other treatments like psychotherapy or electroconvulsive therapy for comprehensive management of psychiatric conditions. The goal is to minimize the impact of symptoms on the patient's everyday life and allow for improved functioning.