Final answer:
Risperidone, prescribed to Perry for his profound intellectual disability, is an antipsychotic medication that helps manage behavioral issues by antagonizing D2 and serotonin type 2 receptors, reducing symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and aggressive behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Perry has been diagnosed with profound intellectual disability, and part of his treatment includes medication. His psychiatrist has prescribed risperidone, an antipsychotic medication. Risperidone helps by acting as an antagonist to D2 (dopamine) and serotonin type 2 receptors. This pharmacological action is beneficial for reducing symptoms commonly associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Risperidone is also useful for curtailing aggressive and impulsive behavior, and it can make patients who are withdrawn or autistic more responsive and communicative.
In the context of profound intellectual disabilities, risperidone and similar antipsychotic drugs may be used to manage associated behavioral issues. While the medication targets specific neurotransmitter systems to stabilize mood and reduce symptoms of psychosis, it's not a cure for underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. Behavioral therapies are often used in conjunction, aiming to improve overall functioning and quality of life.