What is the general term used for drugs that are effective in treating schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders?

The term used for drugs that are effective in treating schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders is neuroleptics. These medications, also known as antipsychotics, specifically target the symptoms of psychosis, which can include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Neuroleptics work primarily by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps to regulate mood and perception, thus alleviating the severe symptoms associated with psychotic disorders.

Psychoactive drugs is a broader category that includes various substances capable of affecting the brain function and behavior, but it does not specifically refer to the antipsychotic properties needed for treating schizophrenia. Antidepressants are primarily used to treat mood disorders and are not effective in managing the symptoms of psychosis. Opiates are a class of drugs used for pain relief and are not related to the treatment of psychotic disorders. Therefore, neuroleptics is the most accurate term for medications specifically designed to treat conditions like schizophrenia.