How does abilify (aripiprazole) decrease symptoms of psychosis?

Stablizing Dopamine: In theory, psychosis is caused by excess Dopamine activity in certain key brain areas. Abilify (aripiprazole), (aripiprazole) a partial agonist at d2 receptors, might work to treat psychotic symptoms by blocking Dopamine when and where there is too much, and increasing Dopamine when and where there is too little. In addition to this unique mechanism, Abilify (aripiprazole) also has strong activity on the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Same as other meds: Dopamine d2 receptor blockade in the mesolimbic systems as well as 5ht2a and alpha-1 blockade according to dr herbert meltzer, probably the world's foremost psychiatrist and researcher into the mechanism of actions of such drugs.( see www.Acnp.Org for a pdf file of one of his excellent papers entitled " the mechanism of action of atypical antipsychotic drugs." ) all you ever wanted to know, plus.