What to Consider When Prescribing Atypical Antipsychotics in Major Depressive Disorder

For patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) whose symptoms are not adequately managed with their initial antidepressant, adjunctive atypical antipsychotics can help. Take this quiz to test your knowledge on what providers should consider when prescribing atypical antipsychotics.

References

  1. Carli M, Kolachalam S, Longoni B, et al. Atypical antipsychotics and metabolic syndrome: from molecular mechanisms to clinical differences. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(3):238. doi:10.3390/ph14030238 

  2. Chadda RK, Ramshankar P, Deb KS, Sood M. Metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia: differences between antipsychotic-naïve and treated patients. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2013;4(3):176-186. doi:10.4103/0976-500X.114596
  3. McIntyre RS, Kwan ATH, Rosenblat JD, Teopiz KM, Mansur RB. Psychotropic drug-related weight gain and its treatment. Am J Psychiatry. 2024;181(1):26-38. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.20230922 
  4. Carlson HE, Correll CU. Adverse effects of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Psychiatr Times. 2007;25(1). Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/adverse-effects-antipsychotics-and-mood-stabilizers
  5. American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Schizophrenia. 3rd ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2020.  
  6. Velligan DI, Sajatovic M, Hatch A, Kramata P, Docherty JP. Why do psychiatric patients stop antipsychotic medication? A systematic review of reasons for nonadherence to medication in patients with serious mental illness. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2017;11:449-468. doi:10.2147/PPA.S124658
  7. Stroup TS, Gray N. Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications. World Psychiatry. 2018;17(3):341-356. doi:10.1002/wps.20567 
  8. Wadoo O, Ouanes S, Firdosi M. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a guide for psychiatrists. BJPsych Advances. 2021;27(6):373-382. doi:10.1192/bja.2020.71
  9. American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder. 3rd ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2010.   

This resource is intended for educational purposes only and is intended for US healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals should use independent medical judgment. All decisions regarding patient care must be handled by a healthcare professional and be made based on the unique needs of each patient.

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