Which antipsychotic may improve apathy and blunted affect in an adolescent male with schizophrenia?

Risperidone is recognized for its effectiveness in treating symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly in reducing both positive symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions) and negative symptoms (including apathy and blunted affect). Negative symptoms of schizophrenia can significantly impair a patient's ability to function effectively in social settings and daily life, making it crucial for treatment to address these issues.

This atypical antipsychotic acts on both dopamine and serotonin receptors, which may contribute to its capability to alleviate symptoms of blunted affect and apathy more efficiently compared to the typical antipsychotics listed in the other options. The atypicals, such as risperidone, are often preferred in younger patients due to their lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects and a more favorable side effect profile.

In contrast, chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, and haloperidol are typical antipsychotics that primarily target dopaminergic pathways and are more effective for positive symptoms. However, they tend to be less effective in managing the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and can even exacerbate these symptoms in some cases due to their side effect profiles. This makes risperidone the most suitable choice for addressing the specific challenges of apathy and blunted affect in adolescents with schizophrenia