In biological therapies for schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, antipsychotic medications primarily target which neurotransmitter system?

• A. GABA (GABA-A receptor signaling)
• B. Serotonin (5-HT1A receptor signaling)
• C. Acetylcholine (muscarinic receptor signaling)
• D. Dopamine (especially D2 receptor signaling)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that biological therapies for schizophrenia often focus on neurotransmitter systems involved in the symptoms of the disorder.
2. Recall that schizophrenia is strongly linked to dysregulation in the dopamine system, particularly involving dopamine receptors.
3. Identify that antipsychotic medications primarily target dopamine receptors to reduce symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
4. Note that among dopamine receptors, the D2 receptor subtype is especially important as the main target of many antipsychotic drugs.
5. Conclude that the dopamine system, especially D2 receptor signaling, is the primary neurotransmitter system targeted by antipsychotic medications in treating schizophrenia.