Psychotropic medications treat clinical disorders at the neurological level. All affect neurotransmitters, by increasing or decreasing their availability, processing power, or reuptake. Psychotropic medications are becoming more sophisticated and effective because of advancements in neuroscience. The medications are important adjuncts to psychotherapy because of their ability to minimize symptoms. However, psychotropic medications create side-effects, many of which are harmful, uncomfortable, and in rare cases fatal. Therefore, health care workers must monitor patients taking any psychotropic medications. Other medications, diet, or lifestyle habits may also interfere with the action of the psychotropic drugs. Contraindications must be thoroughly examined before recommending psychotropic medications as a treatment option.
Antidepressants treat mainly major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and can also be used during the depressed phase of bipolar disorder. During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, different medications or treatments may be recommended. Lithium is a commonly prescribed psychotropic drug for treating both the depressive and the manic phases of bipolar disorder (NIMH). The two main classifications of antidepressant medications are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be an effective alternative intervention to psychotropic medications. The therapy is mainly used for persons experiencing acute episodes of melancholy but may also be recommended for other disorders that include symptoms like catatonia, mania, or schizophrenia. Antipsychotic drugs are more commonly used to treat psychotic episodes (NIMH). ECT may also be helpful for persons who cannot take psychotropic drugs such as pregnant women or seniors.
Research questions related to the use of psychotropic medications"
1. What are the long-term effects of taking psychotropic medications? Since they are new to the pharmacopia, what are some of the potential long-term risks of taking psychotropic drugs and might they affect human beings on the level of DNA?
2. Do psychotropic drugs become addictive, or are clients able to wean themselves off them without experiencing recurring symptoms of the clinical disorder? Do they have to be taken long-term?
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). "Medications." Retrieved Oct 18, 2008 at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/medications/complete-publication.shtml
