Psychiatric medication, both medication and psychotherapy treatments are currently used for mental illness. However, since mental illness is seen as an abstract disorder, there is a general and incorrect belief that it cannot be treated with medication. In addition, the idea that these medications have many side effects and are addictive also supports this misconception.
In fact, the history of medication in psychiatry is very recent. The drugs used before the 1950s were mostly in the form of sedatives. After the 1930s, some drugs in the form of stimulants started to be used.
In the 40s, when we look at the patient analysis reports, it started to be seen that drugs were widely used. At least one medication was used for both inpatients and outpatients. However, these medications were rarely documented.
Today, medications actively used in the treatment process of mental illnesses are monitored and their results are observed and followed up. Contrary to popular belief, these drugs are not heavy sedatives and are not addictive.
In psychiatric drug treatment, first of all, it should be looked at which psychological problem the person has. Whatever the psychological problem is, it should be treated in detail.
One of the most important details in psychiatric drug treatment is the application of personalized drug treatment. Not all medications cause the same effects on the person even if they have the same disorder and sometimes have the opposite effect, so a pharmacogenetic profile of the person should be made. After detailed laboratory examinations, the medication and dose adjustment to be used by the person is planned so that the person can recover much earlier and the side effects of the drug are minimized.
What is Psychiatric Drug Therapy
Psychiatric medication is the treatment of mental disorders with medication (pharmacotherapy) in addition to psychotherapy. Psychiatric medication is used to correct or help correct abnormalities that cause certain psychiatric symptoms.
A wide variety of medication types are used in the treatment of mental illness. The most commonly used of these are antidepressants, anti-psychotic drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, mood stabilizers and stimulants.
In our country, there is a great prejudice against psychiatric medication. It is believed that these medications are not safe and effective, and that they are addictive, which leads to either not using these medications or not taking them in sufficient dosage or duration.
There are some common misconceptions about such medications. These are as follows;
- In psychiatric drug treatment, psychiatric drugs cause weight gain. This is a completely false belief. Only certain medications cause weight gain due to appetite stimulation, but these medications are used in patients who lose weight due to lack of appetite. They are never used in patients who have weight problems or want to gain weight.
- Antidepressants are addictive. This belief is completely false. These drugs are not addictive. However, they should be used under the supervision of a doctor. Because it is necessary to adjust the dose when necessary. Without this, they can sometimes cause different reactions in patients. These include boredom, insomnia and restlessness.
- These drugs cause infertility. None of the psychiatric drugs cause infertility. However, it is not recommended to use them during pregnancy or while the mother is breastfeeding, unless it is very necessary, so as not to harm the baby.
- Psychiatric medicines cause sleep. Only some medicines cause sleep. These medicines are used in patients with sleep problems.
How long does psychiatric medication last
It is not possible to say anything definite about the duration of treatment with psychiatric drugs. In some disorders, it is necessary to use it for a lifetime, while in others it can be reduced under the control of a doctor.
During the follow-up process of the disease in psychiatric drug treatment, specialist doctors can reduce or increase the dose of medication. This is completely related to the course of the disease. You should never start or stop taking these medications based on the words of others or misinformation.
As NPISTANBUL Hospital, we are working for you or your loved ones to be treated in the best way possible. Our expert and professional medical staff is always at your side to produce the right solution for you and to be with you at all times.
