Review of antidepressants and antipsychotics drugs: Trends, efficacy, and new directions

Abstract

This review considers the shifting landscape in antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs, with an emphasis on usage patterns, therapeutic potency, and directions for the future of psychiatric treatment. It considers the history of drug development from the initial monoamine-targeting drugs through the newer classes of drugs such as the SSRIs, SNRIs, and antipsychotic drugs. It addresses the contemporary patterns of global prescribing, off-label prescribing, and increasing usage among special groups, as well as important challenges such as treatment resistance, adherence, and presence of side effects. Emerging new medicines such as rapid-acting antidepressants (e.g., ketamine), long-acting injectable drugs, pharmacogenetics, and digital psychiatry are presented as new breakthroughs. The review highlights the value of evidence-based, tailored drug therapy and encourages expanded interdisciplinarity for ongoing research towards improved safety, access, and patient-focused outcomes in psychiatric pharmacotherapy.