Which of the following ADHD medications is not a stimulant?

A. Psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment for somatic symptom disorder (SSD). It helps patients recognize and modify maladaptive thoughts about their physical symptoms, reducing distress and improving coping mechanisms.

B. Antipsychotics. Antipsychotic medications are not typically recommended for SSD unless there is a comorbid psychotic disorder or severe delusional thinking. SSD is primarily driven by excessive health-related anxiety and preoccupation with physical symptoms, not psychosis.

C. Anti-anxiety medications. Short-term use of anxiolytics (e.g., benzodiazepines) may help with acute anxiety symptoms, but they are not the preferred treatment due to the risk of dependence. SSRIs and psychotherapy are more effective long-term for managing anxiety in SSD.

D. Antidepressants. SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly used to treat SSD, especially when there is underlying depression or anxiety. These medications help reduce excessive preoccupation with physical symptoms and improve overall emotional well-being.

A. Mesolimbic pathway is associated with reward, motivation, and emotions and is hyperactive in schizophrenia, leading to positive symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Antipsychotic medications work by blocking dopamine (D2) receptors in this pathway, reducing psychotic symptoms.

B. Nigrostriatal pathway controls motor function and coordination. Dopamine blockade in this pathway leads to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as tremors, rigidity, and tardive dyskinesia, which are common side effects of first-generation antipsychotics (typical antipsychotics).

C. Tuberoinfundibular pathway regulates prolactin secretion. Dopamine inhibits prolactin release, so blocking D2 receptors with antipsychotics leads to increased prolactin levels, causing gynecomastia, galactorrhea, and menstrual irregularities.

D. Mesocortical pathway is responsible for cognition, motivation, and emotional regulation. In schizophrenia, this pathway is hypoactive, contributing to negative symptoms such as apathy, social withdrawal, and cognitive impairment.