A class of medications used to treat psychosis, characterized by their ability to block dopamine receptors and produce neurological effects including sedation and movement disorders. The term is often used interchangeably with 'antipsychotic,' though it emphasizes the neurological effects of these drugs.
From Greek 'neuron' (nerve) and 'lepsis' (a taking hold), meaning 'taking hold of nerves'. The term was coined in the 1950s by French psychiatrists to describe the distinctive neurological effects of the first antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine.
The term 'neuroleptic' captures an important historical insight - early psychiatrists noticed that effective antipsychotic drugs also caused neurological side effects, suggesting a fundamental connection between movement control and thought disorders in the brain. This led to the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia, revolutionizing our understanding of mental illness as neurobiological rather than purely psychological.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.