Medications for mental health, known as psychotropic medications, are formulated to treat symptoms of mental health disorders. They often work by adjusting neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that can become more or less impactful, leading to mental health disorders. While medication cannot cure your mental health condition, it can provide you with relief from your symptoms.
Those interested in starting medication can schedule a psychiatric evaluation with AVI MIND. But first, keep reading to learn more about the types of medications available and how they treat mental health conditions.
What Are the Main Types of Psychotropic Medications?
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are primarily used to treat depression. Two main types are available: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SSRIs & SNRIs increase serotonin, vital to improving mood and reducing anxiety. SNRIs also increase norepinephrine, which can help people feel more awake and energized. Bupropion is an NDRI, which increases availability of norepinephrine and dopamine, and it is helpful for improving mood, energy and motivation.
Anti-Anxiety Medication
For patients who experience panic and anxiety attacks and generalized anxiety, anti-anxiety medication can be beneficial. SSRI’s & SNRI’s are helpful for reducing anxiety long-term, by increasing availability of serotonin. Additional medications can also help on an “as-needed” basis with physical symptoms of anxiety and acute anxiety episodes.
Stimulants
Some mental health disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can cause difficulty concentrating. Stimulants help improve attention and motivation. Some examples of brand psychostimulant medications include Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, & Vyvanse.
Sleep Aids
Sleep aids are medications that can help patients who are experiencing insomnia. There are many options for sleep aids that can be safe and effective solutions for significant difficulty sleeping.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are generally prescribed for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but they may also be prescribed to patients with certain mood disorders or those who display symptoms of psychosis, such as paranoia or delusions. They are designed to help treat both physical and psychological symptoms, and they may be necessary for people whose disorder disconnects them from reality.
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are most often used to treat bipolar disorder, but they can also be effective in other disorders that can cause extreme emotional dysregulation. For patients with bipolar disorder, a common symptom is mania, which is a period when they experience periods of elevated mood.
Mood stabilizers do not stop you from feeling emotions; instead, they can help regulate your emotions so they are easier to manage and do not feel so overwhelming.
Schedule a Psychiatric Evaluation
Patients interested in treatment with medication can contact AVI MIND in New York. Our providers, Racquel Wagner and Avigail Spetner, are board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners with experience treating a range of mental health conditions, including OCD, depression, PTSD, anxiety, and more. They take a holistic approach, helping patients develop a well-rounded treatment plan based on improving their overall well-being.
Schedule a psychiatric evaluation today by calling (516) 464-8404 or book an appointment online.