Mental Health Medications: Understanding Their Role in Holistic Treatment
Mental health is much more on people’s radar in the UK these days, with people becoming much more aware of the importance of looking after their mental health when it comes to things like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Although treatment and lifestyle changes are cornerstones of recovery, medications can also be an important part of treatment.
Some people do not need medication; others need a bit of help to try to make new pathways in the brain to overcome an anxious response. Medications are not a cure-all or a short-term solution – they work best if you are willing to make changes to your lifestyle, do therapy, and have supports in place, etc.
This blog’s objective is to help simplify the role of medications and offer some myth-busting, as well as the things you need to know if you’re thinking about or already using such medications.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Even with all the publicity about psychiatric medications, the stigma about them continues. Some people are concerned that taking medication will alter their personality, cause them to feel like a “zombie”, or induce addiction. Still others think it’s a sign of weakness to depend on a pill.
But with mental health campaigns and better education, perception is changing. When properly prescribed, medications stabilise brain chemistry so that people can effectively involve themselves in therapy and daily living. The point is not to change you but to restore a balance that allows you to flourish.
Key Points About Mental Health Medications
1. Prescription-Only Nature
Mental health medication can’t be purchased over the counter — they are supposed to be prescribed and regularly evaluated by a psychiatrist or a medical professional with expertise and training in mental health. Self-treating is risky and can cause severe side effects or an exacerbation of symptoms.
2. Individualised Response
The same drug can have different effects on different people. What works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another, and dosages must frequently be tweaked. It takes a good deal of patience, because often it can be a process to find the right medication.
3. Need for Medical Advice
Never begin, stop, or change the dosage of medication without discussing it with your physician. Suddenly stopping some medicines may cause withdrawal or relapse. You will be closely supervised by a health care provider before, during, and after the procedure.
Categories of Mental Health Medications
A. Antidepressants
- Indication: Depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, panic disorders.
- Types: SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine), TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline), and MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine).
- Unwanted Effects: Nausea, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction.
- Precautions: Some antidepressants may raise the risk of suicide in young people initially. They also interact with other drugs, so always tell your doctor about all the drugs you’re taking.
B. Antipsychotics
- Indication: Treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
- Common Side Effects: Weight gain, drowsiness, and movement disorders (such as tremors).
- Cautions: Long-term use needs monitoring of metabolic health (cholesterol, blood sugar).
C. Anxiolytics (Sedatives)
- What It Is: Quick-fix relief for intense anxiety or panic attacks.
- Common Side Effects: Sleepiness, dizziness, risk of addiction.
- Considerations: Use benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, only briefly because they risk addiction.
D. Hypnotics (Sleeping Pills)
- Objective: Cure mental illness-induced insomnia.
- Common Side Effects: Daytime drowsiness, memory problems.
- Precautions: Avoid alcohol to avoid dependency, and use only as directed.
E. Mood Stabilisers
- Indication: Balanced mood fluctuations associated with bipolar disorder.
- Side Effects: Weight gain, tremors, possible thyroid or kidney issues.
- Caveats: Frequent blood tests are needed to track effects.
F. Stimulants
- Purpose: Treats ADHD and sometimes depression (off-label).
- Common Side Effects: Increased heart rate, insomnia, anxiety.
- Precautions: High potential for abuse; prescribed under close control.
Conclusion
Psychiatric medications are a means, not an end. They are most effective when used along with therapy, healthy lifestyle choices, or strong social support. At Chase Lodge Hospital, we have open conversations around mental health treatment and work to reduce the stigma.
If you or a family member is contemplating medication, use a healthcare provider to help determine the best approach for your circumstances. Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.
