Final answer:
Antipsychotics like clozapine and risperidone, and mood stabilizers such as lithium, are used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults by affecting neurotransmitter activity within the brain. While effective at managing symptoms, these medications are not cures and can have side effects that require management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment of Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder
Drugs used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adults include a variety of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. These medications work by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine. Antipsychotics such as clozapine and risperidone are effective in treating schizophrenia symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors and reducing dopamine neurotransmission, which can alleviate delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thought. Mood stabilizers, like lithium, are commonly used to manage manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder by influencing the excitability of the nervous system, although their exact mechanism is not fully understood. It's important to note that while these drugs can control symptoms and improve quality of life, they are not cures and often come with side effects that need to be managed.
Alongside medication, other treatment forms may include psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and deep-brain stimulation. Depending on the individual's condition and response to medications, the treatment regimen can be adjusted by healthcare professionals for optimal management of these complex mental health disorders.