How do antipsychotic medications primarily work?

Antipsychotic medications primarily work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. This mechanism is crucial because many psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia, are associated with an overactivity of dopamine in certain pathways of the brain. By antagonizing these dopamine receptors, particularly the D2 subtype, antipsychotics help to reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions that are characteristic of disorders related to dopamine dysregulation.

Dopamine has a major role in regulating mood, perception, and behavior, so by modulating its effects, antipsychotic drugs can help stabilize thoughts and emotions. This targeted approach allows for symptom management while also minimizing the side effects that could arise from affecting other neurotransmitter systems.

The other options presented do not accurately reflect the primary action of antipsychotic medications. For instance, increasing serotonin levels or enhancing norepinephrine transmission are mechanisms related to other classes of medications, such as antidepressants. Promoting the release of endorphins pertains to opioids and is not a mechanism relevant to antipsychotics. Therefore, the focus on dopamine receptor blockade is the hallmark of how antipsychotics exert their therapeutic effects.