Second-Generation, Atypical Antipsychotics (SGAs)

Second-generation, atypical antipsychotics (SGAs) work like lithium — reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release, blocking dopamine sites, and increasing inhibitory neurotransmitter release. SGAs, like aripiprazole, can treat both mania and depression but are mostly prescribed if someone experiences psychotic symptoms during a manic episode. Selective Attention: Selective attention is a conscious cognitive ability to focus on relevant information/stimulus while actively ignoring irrelevant/distracting stimuli — crucial for reading, listening, driving, learning. Similarly to directed attention (actively deciding to focus on an area or task by blocking distractions), selective attention acts as a filter—like picking out a conversation in a noisy room or looking for your keys in a cluttered