What is it about ?
Psychotropic drugs are drugs used in the treatment of serious psychological problems. They are prescribed only in combination with a psychotherapeutic treatment and after careful consideration of the situation, given the possible side effects of these drugs.
Examples of psychotropic drugs:
- The antipsychotics are used in case of psychotic problem : the patient hears or sees things that do not actually exist. Some antipsychotics are also prescribed to treat other symptoms, such as tics or assaults associated with mental disorders.
- The antidepressants are used in case of depression, of anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
- Anxiolytics (benzodiazepines) are used in case ofanxiety, but only as part of a brief treatment and after seriously considering the matter. Among the side effects, it is possible to become dependent on these drugs and to consume more than necessary (addiction).
- Medicines used to treat ADHD.
- Mood stabilizers like lithium are used in case of manic-depressive disorder and some behavioral disorders.
How often do we use it?
Children and adolescents are prescribed as few psychotropic drugs as possible. But sometimes these drugs are necessary, in addition to treatments from a therapist (psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist,…) to relieve the suffering of the child or adolescent, and accelerate healing.
How is the diagnosis made?
Before prescribing these drugs, the diagnosis should always be clear. An accurate description of the patient’s history is very important, along with information taken in relation to any emotional and behavioral symptoms. The doctor also performs a neurological examination and careful clinic.
What can you do ?
Even more than with other drugs, it is very important to take psychotropic drugs correctly.
If you are a parent, before making the decision with the doctor to give your child medicine, discuss your fears and concerns about the medicine. Because one thing is certain: we will not be able to stop the drugs overnight, a sudden interruption can trigger very unpleasant side effects.
If you are a teenager taking certain medications, always tell the doctor. He will take this into account when prescribing others.
What can your doctor do?
It is always a specialist (a pediatrician or a child psychiatrist) who will prescribe medication to the child for mental illnesses. Be careful when starting these drugs in children, more than in adults. The general practitioner and the specialist follow the development of things together. The doctor regularly examines the child, in general but also neurologically. Since a child’s brain is not yet fully developed, drugs that work in this area may have other effects than in adults. For some medicines, blood tests should be done before starting them and during follow-up to check certain values.
The doctor will also inform you about the possible side effects of the drugs. For example, more attention will be given when starting certain antidepressants because of the increased risk of suicide and self-harm.
Several treatment options should be considered and possibly tried before the doctor actually prescribes medication.
Want to know more?
- Antipsychotics – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Antidepressants – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Benzodiazepines – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- ADHD drugs – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Lithium – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
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