History of Antipsychotic Drug Development

Abstract

Currently, there are several classes of antipsychotic drugs available to psychiatrists to treat schizophrenia. Recent studies have shown that taking antipsychotic medications consistently is crucial and necessary to manage the symptoms and to control the risks of relapse. This chapter will review the history of antipsychotics starting with the birth of typical antipsychotics developed over a half century ago, the current newer safer atypical agents for treatment of schizophrenia, and novel emerging therapies being developed in the new millennium.