Antipsychotics: aripiprazole: 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: aripiprazole

Sample item

Which antipsychotic acts as a partial agonist at D2 receptors and is associated with a low risk of hyperprolactinaemia?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole is a D2 partial agonist, so it can lower prolactin and is often used to reverse antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia. Common adverse effects are akathisia and insomnia.

Option by option

  • A. Haloperidol

    Haloperidol is a strong D2 antagonist that raises prolactin.

  • B. Risperidone

    Risperidone causes marked hyperprolactinaemia.

  • C. Aripiprazole (correct)

    Correct. Aripiprazole is a D2 partial agonist with minimal prolactin elevation.

  • D. Amisulpride

    Amisulpride is a D2/D3 antagonist that markedly raises prolactin.

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 C, Aripiprazole. Aripiprazole is a D2 partial agonist, so it can lower prolactin and is often used to reverse antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia.

Why is "Haloperidol" not the answer?

Haloperidol is a strong D2 antagonist that raises prolactin.

Why is "Risperidone" not the answer?

Risperidone causes marked hyperprolactinaemia.

Why is "Amisulpride" not the answer?

Amisulpride is a D2/D3 antagonist that markedly raises prolactin.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Antipsychotics: aripiprazole in Psychiatry. Common adverse effects are akathisia and insomnia.

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: aripiprazole?

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.