Why Aripiprazole Can Feel Like It Stops Working at Month Four—and How to Tell the Difference Between Plateau and Failure
A significant number of patients on aripiprazole encounter a disorienting phase several months into treatment when early gains appear to stall or partially reverse. This phenomenon—sometimes called the adjustment plateau—is biologically distinct from true treatment failure, yet it frequently drives premature medication discontinuation. This article examines the neurobiological mechanisms behind this phase, offers a structured framework for evaluating what is actually happening, and outlines the