Differential Effects of Aripiprazole on D ₂ , 5-HT ₂ , and 5-HT _1A Receptor Occupancy in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Triple Tracer PET Study

Abstract

Aripiprazole exhibits a unique occupancy profile as compared with other conventional and atypical antipsychotics. The threshold for response appears to be higher than 60%, extrapyramidal side effects appear to be uncommon even at occupancies that exceed the conventional extrapyramidal side effects threshold of 80%, and 5-HT(2) occupancy is lower than D(2) occupancy. Implications for aripiprazole's mechanism of action are discussed.