Which generation of antipsychotics, developed in the 1950s, primarily act as dopamine blockers and can cause movement disorders?

The first generation of antipsychotics, known as typical antipsychotics, emerged in the 1950s and are primarily characterized by their mechanism of action as dopamine antagonists. These medications primarily target dopamine receptors, particularly D2 receptors, in the brain. This receptor blockade is effective in reducing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions.

However, the dopaminergic blockade associated with typical antipsychotics also leads to significant side effects, notably movement disorders collectively referred to as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). These can include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia, which result from the impact of the medication on the basal ganglia and other brain areas involved in motor control.

In contrast, atypical antipsychotics, which were developed later, tend to have a broader range of action, affecting both dopamine and serotonin receptors, which results in a different profile of effectiveness and side effects, including a lower incidence of movement disorders. Other options like tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs are primarily used for depression and anxiety disorders, with different mechanisms of action focused on neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin, rather than targeting the dopamine system directly