Psychiatrists are usually consider prescribing mental illness medication when patients exhibits symptoms that interfere with their normal functioning, such as work, relationship, and physical and psychological health. Mental illness medications normally influence the level on some important chemicals in the brain. The medications work by either increasing or decreasing what are called “neurotransmitters”. As the medication takes effect, the level of these transmitters increase, and the patients start noticing some improvement or fewer symptoms than they had presented at the first place. However, scientists still don’t know how these chemicals or neurotransmitters affect how an individual function. For example, if a physician or a psychiatrist prescribed specific kind of anti depressant and the patient reported that the medication didn’t work, the psychiatrist would consider altering the type of drug until patient shows improvement
According to the World Health Organization, One in four individuals in general population will exhibits and experience a mental health problems at some point in their lives.
Depression and anxiety are considered to be the most common problems presented. Moreover these problems can occur to anyone despite their gender, age, race, and culture. Unfortunately, researchers couldn’t specify and pinpoint causes the illness or the impartment in an individual functioning. However, and generally speaking, the combination of environmental and genetics factors contributes to the causes of such a mental health issue. In addition, some traumatic events or brain injuries contribute to symptoms that continue for years.
It is important to note that undergoing psychotherapy/counseling is just as important as taking the medication, as the patient develops distorted thinking and beliefs as a result of the symptoms. Social support from family and friends, spirituality, routine changes, and other treatment protocols are crucial components in effective as oppose to just symptoms reduction. In some cases, when an individual suffers from severe mental illnesses such as psychosis and some form of addiction, inpatient hospital admission is the first step for treatment plan.
Having the mental health symptoms under control allows the patient to make progress in psychotherapy. According to American Medical Association, cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication tends to lead to significant improvement of some mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms in adults. Of course, a common outcome of effective psychotherapy is decreasing or eliminating mental illness medications.
Some people prefer not to take medication due to preconceived notions that it’s not natural, and the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Again, the medication is simply helping the body to produce what is supposed to be there in the first place. Very similar to a diabetic needing insulin. Others are concerned with possible side effects. Not all medications will have the same side effect on every person. In other words, we’re all different, and some people may have side effects, while someone else on the same medication may not. In either case, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your doctor. In many cases there are other medications which may be used.
Many people will be on medications for a period of time, be free of symptoms, and suddenly stop taking their medication thinking they are “cured”. This poses a great danger not only to the mental health of the patient, but may also have physical consequences. Some medications require a gradual reduction; others require that a person be on the medication for a certain period of time, to make sure that the body can continue the production of the neurotransmitter. If your thinking or wanting to come off the medication, please discuss the issue with your prescribing doctor first. If you having any issues with your medication, again, please discuss them with the prescribing doctor first. Clinicians should educate their patients about their options if they decide to use medication or going off medications because medication that works fine for someone might not be the best option for another. It is essential to have an in-depth honest discussion between patients and their doctor, which includes medical history (including previous medications taken along with their effectiveness), symptoms, diagnosis, and therapeutic goals, and referrals to a psychotherapist before they start their medication.
It’s time to break the stigma associated with mental health. Mental illness is real. It’s not imaginary, it’s not something which a person can control. It is illness that is as real as any physical illness. As with a physical illness, mental illness can be treated. There are specially trained professionals who are here to help you on the road to wellness.
