Pharmacotherapy (Medication Treatment)

Pharmacotherapy means treatment with medications. Psychopharmacology, on the other hand, is the name given to studies that enable the use of medications in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

The way to properly understand the foundations of modern psychopharmacology is through correctly understanding the chemical, electrical, and anatomical structures of the brain. Modern psychopharmacology aims to treat psychiatric symptoms that emerge in areas such as thought, emotion, attitude–behavior, perception, memory, etc. by means of medications developed largely to address disruptions in mechanisms known as neurotransmission.

The anatomical basis of neurotransmission consists of connections called synapses between nerve cells. There are trillions of synapses in the brain. In a brain with such a complex structure, functional impairments in nerve cells can lead to the emergence of psychiatric symptoms in the individual.

As brain functions are increasingly better understood, this enables the development of more effective medications with fewer side effects and better tolerability. The group of medications used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders is called psychotropics. For example; antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, hypnotics, etc.

When initiating medication for a psychiatric patient, many factors are reviewed, such as the patient’s current psychiatric symptoms, general medical condition, any comorbid illnesses, and/or possible interactions with medications they are using, as well as the effects of medications previously used. During the follow-up process, the effects and side effects of the medications are evaluated.

The belief that every patient who applies to a psychiatrist will be prescribed medication and that medications cause more harm than benefit is incorrect. Just as in other branches of medicine, medication is not recommended for patients who are deemed not to need it or who are considered to be treatable solely with psychotherapy.

The most fundamental principle of medicine, “Primum non nocere” – the principle of first, do no harm, is also valid and indispensable for psychiatry as a branch of medicine.