Psychiatrists can help patients overcome a wide variety of mental health issues, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder.
Along with psychotherapy, psychiatrists often provide medication to patients with mental health issues to help overcome their symptoms.
If you are seeing a psychiatrist, then you may receive a medication. Knowing the purpose and effects of these drugs can help you take charge of your health. The following are the four most common medications prescribed by psychiatrists.
Antidepressants are mainly used to treat patients who suffer from depression. Antidepressants work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain to help promote a more positive mood and stabilize emotions. Along with an improvement in overall mood, antidepressants can also help patients receive an adequate amount of rest and concentrate better. Sleep and focusing on the task at hand helps to treat depression.
The most common form of antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These help increase the amount of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. The most common types of SSRIs include Celexa, Prozac and Zoloft. In more severe cases of depression, monoamine oxidase inhibitors may be utilized instead.
Anti-anxiety medication is another common treatment prescribed by psychiatrists. It is mainly prescribed to patients who suffer from anxiety issues ranging from chronic to more acute onset disorders.
Many with anxiety disorders suffer from panic attacks. These are real experiences of fear that can be incredibly concerning. Anti-anxiety medications help to prevent panic attacks from occurring. At the least, they reduce the frequency of panic attacks. Anti-anxiety medications can also treat more general, less severe issues. The most common forms of anti-anxiety medication include Ativan, Librium, Valium and Xanax.
Mood stabilizers, or anticonvulsant medications, help patients who suffer from constant, uncontrollable mood swings.
The most common conditions that mood stabilizers help treat include bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia. However, mood stabilizers are most generally applied to those with bipolar disorder, who likely experience uncontrollable spikes in their emotional state. Mood stabilizers such as Lamictal or Lithium help patients keep a stable emotional state when they would otherwise act irrationally.
The conditions listed above, as well as other mental health disorders, are disruptive to say the least. That said, there are medications that can help control side effects. If you or a loved one suffers from a psychological condition or disorder, give us a call. We can help diagnose the issue and create a treatment plan that allows you to enjoy daily life.
Request an appointment here: Call Florida Psychiatric Associates at (407) 960-5633 for an appointment in our Altamonte Springs office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Psychiatrists in Altamonte Springs, FL.
Thinking about undergoing drug management services so you can end your drug or alcohol addiction? Also known as medication management, this alternative treatment option is available to those who no longer want to be addicted to a substance. If you are ready to undergo treatment that can help you get your life back on track,…
As an often chronic and disabling condition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can cause serious issues in your life. Thankfully, ADHD treatment from a qualified psychiatrist is available to help manage the symptoms.ADHD is a condition that primarily consists of impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention. It can occur in both children and…
Using medication assisted treatment to overcome drug problems could be the right strategy for you or your loved one. Coping with drug dependency can be challenging. It may also take a multi-faceted approach. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drugs, talk to a health care professional. A doctor or therapist may…
Vivitrol injection are one of several treatment options for addiction and substance abuse. Vivitrol blocks the effects of drugs like opioids and can help prevent relapse. Psychiatrists use Vivitrol as one of multiple tools in a patient’s personalized treatment plan. Vivitrol is not a magical cure for addiction and is not the right option for…
Thinking about undergoing drug management services so you can end your drug or alcohol addiction?
As an often chronic and disabling condition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can cause…
Using medication assisted treatment to overcome drug problems could be the right strategy for you…
Learn how Vivitrol injections may by used to prevent addiction relapse. Know your options for…
While the process of quitting smoking is certainly not an easy one, many people have…
Since chemical imbalances take time to heal, it is necessary for many people to undergo…
