Neuroleptic
Pronunciation: nyoo-roh-LEP-tik
An older term for a class of antipsychotic medications that act primarily by blocking dopamine receptors, used in the management of psychotic disorders.
Full Definition
Neuroleptic is a legacy term widely encountered in older clinical literature, discharge summaries, and psychiatric histories to describe what are now more commonly called antipsychotics. Editors must be aware that contemporary style guides in mental health favor 'antipsychotic' over 'neuroleptic,' though the latter remains acceptable when quoting historical records or referencing first-generation agents. The term derives from the Greek for 'nerve seizing,' reflecting the motor side effects associated with early agents. In editorial contexts, encountering 'neuroleptic' in a modern document may signal an outdated source or a deliberate clinical distinction between first- and second-generation agents. It should not be changed without clinical guidance, as the author may intend a specific pharmacological distinction.
Usage
Usage note: Flag 'neuroleptic' in modern clinical documents for author review; contemporary usage strongly prefers 'antipsychotic.' Do not substitute one for the other without clinical authorization, as a distinction between generations of medication may be intended.
In Context
- "The discharge summary from 1998 documented long-term neuroleptic use, which the editor preserved verbatim in the historical section." — Psychiatric discharge summary
- "Editors should query any use of 'neuroleptic' in a current formulary document, as the preferred term is 'antipsychotic.'" — Formulary review document