Which medication is commonly prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia?

Risperidone is a commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of schizophrenia because it is an atypical antipsychotic. Atypical antipsychotics, like risperidone, are effective in managing both the positive symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions) and negative symptoms (such as lack of motivation and social withdrawal) associated with schizophrenia. Risperidone works by affecting neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin receptors, which are believed to play significant roles in mood and perception.

In contrast, the other medications listed are primarily used to treat mood disorders like depression and anxiety, rather than psychotic disorders. Sertraline, citalopram, and fluoxetine are all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While they can be very effective in treating conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders, they do not have the specific properties required to address the core symptoms of schizophrenia. Thus, risperidone is the appropriate choice for managing this severe mental illness.