Conventional neuroleptics have been the mainstay of treatment for patients with schizo phrenia for many years. The mechanism of action of these drugs has long been accept ed and their side effects well documented. With the recent introduction of newer antipsy chotics such as clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine, a new generation of medications has become available whose pharmacologic properties are just beginning to be realized. These newer antipsychotics appear to be superior to conventional neuroleptics in treat ing patients with schizophrenia. Because of their reduced neurotoxicity, the newer antipsychotics may be particularly beneficial in treating psychosis in specific putient populations. This review presents preliminary findings on the use of the newer antipsy chotics for treating psychosis in five patient populations: children and adolescents with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders; first-episode schizophrenia; dual diagno sis ; bipolar disorder; and elderly patients. Because of the expanded utilities of the newer antipsychotics, psychiatric nurses should be familiar with all available treatment options. (J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc [1998]. 4, S42-S52.)