Quetiapine (Seroquel) is categorized as which type of medication?

Quetiapine, marketed under the name Seroquel, is categorized as an atypical antipsychotic. This class of medications is primarily used to manage mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Atypical antipsychotics work by targeting a variety of neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, particularly serotonin and dopamine receptors, which helps to regulate mood, thought processes, and behavior.

The efficacy of quetiapine in treating mood disorders has led to its off-label use for conditions like major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. Understanding its classification as an atypical antipsychotic is crucial, particularly in the context of perinatal mental health, as it informs therapeutic approaches and considerations for patient care during and after pregnancy.

In contrast to the other medication categories listed, it is important to note that SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and tricyclic antidepressants primarily serve as antidepressants and do not belong to the antipsychotics. Non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics, while effective for anxiety, also do not encompass the broader scope of mood stabilization that quetiapine offers. Thus, recognizing quetiapine as an atypical antipsychotic is key in understanding its