Which class of drugs is primarily used to treat psychotic symptoms?

The primary class of drugs used to treat psychotic symptoms is antipsychotics. These medications are specifically designed to manage conditions such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and certain types of bipolar disorder where psychotic features may be present. Antipsychotics work by altering the effects of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, which plays a key role in the modulation of mood and behavior.

Antidepressants, while important for treating depressive disorders and some anxiety conditions, do not specifically target psychotic symptoms. Anxiolytics focus on alleviating anxiety symptoms and may not effectively address the core issues associated with psychosis. Mood stabilizers are typically used to treat mood disorders like bipolar disorder, particularly the manic and depressive episodes, but they are not primarily aimed at alleviating psychotic symptoms.

In summary, antipsychotics are the go-to treatment for addressing and managing psychotic symptoms, making them distinct from the other classes of medications in their specific purpose and function.