Antipsychotics: clozapine receptor profile: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Antipsychotics: clozapine receptor profile

Sample item

Atypical antipsychotics differ from typical agents by having

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. High 5-HT2A to D2 blockade ratio

Atypical antipsychotics show relatively greater serotonin 5-HT2A blockade than D2 blockade, with loose D2 binding, which lowers extrapyramidal effects and may help negative symptoms. Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at D2. Clozapine is the prototype.

Option by option

  • A. High 5-HT2A to D2 blockade ratio (correct)

    Correct. A high 5-HT2A to D2 ratio characterises atypicals.

  • B. Pure D2 blockade

    Pure D2 blockade characterises typical antipsychotics.

  • C. Alpha-2 agonism

    Alpha-2 agonism describes drugs like clonidine.

  • D. Pure D1 agonism

    D1 agonism is not their mechanism.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is A, High 5-HT2A to D2 blockade ratio. Atypical antipsychotics show relatively greater serotonin 5-HT2A blockade than D2 blockade, with loose D2 binding, which lowers extrapyramidal effects and may help negative symptoms.

Why is "Pure D2 blockade" not the answer?

Pure D2 blockade characterises typical antipsychotics.

Why is "Alpha-2 agonism" not the answer?

Alpha-2 agonism describes drugs like clonidine.

Why is "Pure D1 agonism" not the answer?

D1 agonism is not their mechanism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Antipsychotics: clozapine receptor profile in Psychiatry. Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at D2. Clozapine is the prototype.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Antipsychotics: clozapine receptor profile?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.