Aripiprazole’s receptor profile includes high affinity for which receptors?

• A. D2 and D3 with 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A activity
• B. D1 only
• C. GABA-A receptors
• D. NMDA receptors

Answer: (A)

Aripiprazole binds with high affinity to dopamine D2 and D3 receptors and modulates serotonin signaling, acting as a partial agonist at 5-HT1A and as an antagonist at 5-HT2A. This mix explains its antipsychotic effects with a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms, because it doesn’t fully block dopamine signaling. The 5-HT1A partial agonism can contribute to mood and anxiety help, while 5-HT2A antagonism supports symptom relief and prolactin reduction. Receptors like GABA-A or NMDA are not the primary targets of aripiprazole, so those options don’t fit. Therefore, the receptor profile described—D2 and D3 with 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A activity—is the best match.