Rx for Mental Health

When we are sick, we see a doctor.  Often our hope is to come away with a prescription and simple solution so we can feel better quickly.  Some mental health issues may also respond better with a prescription.  While some would prefer to see medication as a complete solution, others may see it as a stigma and something to be avoided altogether.  What are mental health medications and what role may they play in treatment?

Mental health medications are sometimes called psychotropic or psychotherapeutic drugs. Medications for mental illnesses were first introduced in the early 1950s.  Since that time, they have become much more refined and safer.  Today these medications are widely used in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other disorders.

We’ve all heard funny stories about doctors prescribing aspirins.  Just as that aspirin can reduce a fever but doesn’t cure the infection, so psychotropic drugs control symptoms without curing the underlying causes.  Some causes may be situational such as depression caused by a loss such as death or a job, while others may be the result of brain chemistry as with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 

Although a diagnosis will determine the type of medication a doctor might prescribe, not all medications produce the same effect in each person.  Age, sex, weight, body chemistry and other physical illnesses may all impact the results.  Sometimes it is necessary to try a different medication to achieve better success just as it is with antibiotics.  The underlying cause will also influence how long a person remains on the drug.

Depression is often treated with an antidepressant such as Lexapro, Prozac or Zoloft.
These same medications may also be used for anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD or social phobias.  Often they make the work done with a counselor more productive.  They do, however, need to be taken as prescribed and monitored by a physician since they take several weeks to reach effective levels. 

“Nearly half of patients do not take their medications, take them inconsistently, or stop them prematurely,” according to Dr. Michael Lyles an American Association of Christian Counselors Executive Board Member.  He goes on to share several common concerns that patients have about taking medications:

The medication is addictive
Most are not addictive or mood altering when used appropriately.  It is more like that
a person will be come addicted to something else from self-medicating

The medication will have to be taken forever
Many are only given for a specified amount of time

The medication will cause long-term damage to the body
Research strongly suggests that untreated psychiatric diseases can trigger changes in production of stress hormones leading to long-term damage to the body.

The medication will change the personality or make the person lose control
Untreated issues are more likely to cause this. The goal of evaluation and treatment is not to change a personality but to restore it.

The medication has potential negative side effects
Potential side effects exist with every medication so ask questions and communicate so adjustments or changes can be made if necessary
Lyles, M. “Managing Patient Fears Regarding Taking Medication.” 
Christian Counseling Today, Vol. 16 No. 4: 64-65.

Anytime medication is recommended, whether by a mental health professional for an emotional issue or a physician for a physical ailment, be sure to ask questions and express concerns or fears if you have them.  Good communication will help!

©2010Associates in Christian Counseling, all rights reserved.