Final answer:
It is false that conventional antipsychotics have fewer extrapyramidal side effects than atypical antipsychotics; in fact, conventional antipsychotics are more likely to cause these motor side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that conventional antipsychotics have fewer extrapyramidal side effects than atypical antipsychotics is false. Conventional (typical) antipsychotics, such as haloperidol, are known for their higher propensity to cause extrapyramidal side effects due to their high affinity for dopamine D2 receptors in the basal ganglia. These side effects can include symptoms like tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia. On the other hand, atypical antipsychotics, like clozapine and olanzapine, have a lower likelihood of causing these motor side effects as they target a broader spectrum of neurotransmitters including serotonin and have a lower affinity for dopamine receptors.
Typical neuroleptics act by diminishing exploratory behavior, reducing responses to stimuli, and inhibiting conditioned avoidance behaviors without affecting spinal reflexes. In contrast, atypical antipsychotics are more effective in the management of both positive and negative symptoms of psychosis and are associated with less severe extrapyramidal symptoms but may have other side effects such as metabolic syndrome.