[PragmaticPulp]

> The illnesses they treat are ones of terror and loneliness. I will note however that there’s no purpose in them here except to force submission, and that’s abuse and spits on the good that can be done.

Modern antipsychotics are useful for conditions beyond schizophrenia. Seroquel is commonly prescribed for insomnia at doses lower than those used for Schizophrenia. Adding Abilify is a common second-line strategy when first-line antidepressants aren't giving proper results. Certain patients with bipolar disorder benefit from antipsychotic medications, particularly in the therapeutic delay before traditional mood stabilizers can kick in.

Like you said, the drugs themselves shouldn't be demonized. They're not perfect, but when used appropriately they're often far better than the underlying conditions being treated.

However, if doctors are simply making up diagnoses in order to prescribe the drugs, that's obviously not appropriate treatment.

[DylanDmitri]

I'm on Abilify. It prevents the nasty mood swings that caused me to lose my first job.

[justinko]

I’m on Abilify and Vraylar. Makes me feel normal. Love it.

[jac241]

I think the negative and totally inaccurate depiction of psychiatric care on TV and in movies is why people are surprised that antipsychotics actually really help most people who are prescribed them.

[justinko]

Yes. Also, the name "antipsychotics" is of no help either.

The second generation "atypical antipsychotics" are really not much different from antidepressants. They just typically contain an additional dopaminergic effect (e.g. modulation). As someone else pointed out in this thread, Abilify is prescribed for depression and anxiety.