What are atypical antipsychotics primarily used to treat?

Atypical antipsychotics are primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder due to their ability to effectively manage symptoms associated with these mental health conditions. In schizophrenia, atypical antipsychotics are beneficial in addressing both positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, and negative symptoms, like social withdrawal and apathy. Their effectiveness in stabilizing mood also makes them a common choice in the treatment of bipolar disorder, particularly during manic or mixed episodes.

In contrast, while atypical antipsychotics might have some benefits in managing symptoms of other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, they are not first-line treatments for those conditions. For obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, other medication classes, such as SSRIs, are typically recommended before considering antipsychotic medications. Thus, the primary role of atypical antipsychotics lies in their application for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.