Medication

Medications may be beneficial and necessary in treating mental disorders. They are often used in combination with other treatment approaches such as psychotherapies and brain stimulation therapies. Medications may affect people in different ways, and it is difficult to predict how a particular medication will affect a specific individual. It may take some trial and error to find the medication that is most effective with the fewest side effects. The goal is that the positive effects of any medication will far outweigh any negative effects (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022b). Starting and stopping medication should only be done in collaboration with and as supervised by a qualified health professional.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression, but they may also be effective for anxiety, pain, and insomnia. Antidepressants take time to work - often 4 to 8 weeks. It is therefore important to take the medication for sufficient time before deciding whether or not it works. Antidepressants are not addictive (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022b).

Anti-anxiety medications

Various anti-anxiety medications help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks and extreme fear and worry. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines are used to treat the short-term symptoms of anxiety, but taking benzodiazepines over long periods may lead to drug tolerance or even dependence. Beta-blockers may help manage anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and tremors (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022b).

Stimulants

Stimulant medications may markedly improve daily functioning for people with significant focus problems, such as people with ADHD. Some worry that stimulant medications may lead to misuse or dependence, but evidence shows this is unlikely when the medications are used as prescribed (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022b).

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic medications are typically used to treat psychosis, a condition that involves some loss of contact with reality. Psychosis can be related to drug use or a mental disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. Healthcare providers may also prescribe antipsychotic medications to relieve symptoms associated with delirium, dementia, bipolar disorder, depression, or other mental health conditions (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022b). Antipsychotics are not considered to be addictive.

Mood stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are typically used to treat bipolar disorder and mood changes associated with other mental disorders, such as depression, and schizoaffective disorder. Commonly used mood stabilizers are lithium and some anticonvulsant medications (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022b). Mood stabilizers are not considered to be addictive.

When medication is indicated, there are many options. Many medications for mental disorders may be prescribed by physicians who are not psychiatrists. If the desired effect of medication is not achieved, or if there are unexpected or excessive side effects, it may be time to consult with a psychiatrist, if the prescription hasn’t been initiated or monitored by a psychiatrist.