Antipsychotic drugs and brain tissue loss in patients with schizophrenia

Antipsychotic medications are the most common treatment for individuals with schizophrenia, helping to relieve some of the debilitating symptoms caused by the disorder. But according to a new study, long-term use of these drugs may also negatively impact brain structure. There are two classes of antipsychotic medications - first- and second-generation antipsychotics. First-generation antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol. Second-generation antipsychotics - such as clozapine and lurasidone. The researchers found that individuals with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics demonstrated progressive loss of gray matter in the brain.