Psychopharmacological treatment is the use of medication to treat mental health problems.
What medications are used in psychopharmacological treatment?
The main medications used in psychopharmacological treatment include antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and mood stabilizers.
To get the most benefit from psychopharmacological treatment, psychotherapy usually needs to be added.
The right approach to psychopharmacological treatment
People sometimes have preconceptions about psychopharmacological treatments, fear the risk of developing dependence and worry about being labeled. The right approach is to inform the patient thoroughly, explain that, contrary to common belief, many psychopharmacological medications do not cause dependence, use the lowest effective dose for an effective duration when needed, monitor blood levels of medications that require it and tailor treatment to the patient.
When used correctly for their intended purpose, psychiatric medications help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Psychiatric medications must always be started and stopped under the supervision of a mental health specialist.
