psychiatric medications
Last updatedWhat to know
Psychiatric medications are prescribed to shift emotions and thought patterns by adjusting brain chemistry in people with mental health conditions. They are also called mental health medications or psychotropic medications. Clinicians will often combine these medications with psychotherapy and other treatments for maximum effectiveness in relieving symptoms including anxiety and depression.
There are five classes of psychiatric medications: anti-anxiety agents, antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and stimulants. People can respond markedly differently to medications within and across these categories. Doctors usually review clinical records for evidence recommending one medicine over another. They may also consider other factors, such as potential side effects of medications and whether a patient has any history (or family history) with similar medications. It is not uncommon for people to try more than one medication before finding an option that brings relief. It is also possible for people to try medications and, together with their doctors, decide to discontinue their use entirely in favor of other options for treatment.
When reporting on psychiatric medications, common myths include that they are a “cop-out” or short-term solution, that they dull one’s personality, or that they are no more effective than placebos. People can certainly have negative experiences with psychiatric medications. Caution is warranted, and it makes sense to address the subject thoughtfully in your reporting. That said, psychiatric medications can be life-changing and work long term. Each case is unique.
Sometimes news stories will tie psychiatric medications to crimes or acts of violence. Whether the fact that someone is taking a medication merits inclusion in a story depends on the situation, but it’s crucial not to reinforce a false correlation or causal relationship between psychiatric medications and violence. Citing statistics that put individual cases in context, and bringing in an expert for analysis, can go a long way to ensure thoughtful coverage. When it comes to naming specific brands of medication, it’s important to consider carefully whether that’s necessary for your story and provide sufficient context so readers will not take that reference as a de facto recommendation.
Additional resources
- Types of Medication (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Mental Health Medications (National Institute of Mental Health)
- Journalism Resource Guide on Behavioral Health (Carter Center)
Summary
Psychiatric medications are prescribed to shift emotions and thought patterns by adjusting brain chemistry in people with mental health conditions. They are also called mental health medications or psychotropic medications. Clinicians will often combine these medications with psychotherapy and other treatments for maximum effectiveness in relieving symptoms including anxiety and depression. Common myths related to psychiatric medications include that they are a “cop-out” or short-term solution, that they dull one’s personality, or that they are no more effective than placebos. Citing statistics that put individual stories of medication use in context, and bringing in an expert for analysis, can go a long way to ensure thoughtful coverage.