Final answer:
First-generation antipsychotics are medications used to treat psychosis, notably in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, by blocking dopamine receptors to manage symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.
Step-by-step explanation:
First-generation antipsychotics, also known as typical antipsychotics, are psychotropic medications primarily used to manage symptoms of psychosis, which include delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thought, commonly seen in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These medications work by antagonizing dopamine receptors, thereby blocking the overactive dopamine neurotransmission that is associated with certain symptoms of schizophrenia.
Notable first-generation antipsychotics include chlorpromazine, which was among the first to be used extensively for psychiatric illnesses, offering several useful properties such as antiemetic and antihistaminic effects. Furthermore, risperidone, which was introduced in 1994, serves as an example that not only blocks dopamine receptors but also serotonin and other receptors, expanding the therapeutic scope of antipsychotics. These medications have a profound impact on reducing aggression, delusions, and hallucinations, and in some cases, making patients more responsive and communicative.