Psychotropic Medication Essay

Working within a pharmacy I came along a discussion about psychotropic medications.

The discussion was about psychotropic medication and if they are over prescribed. Psychotropic medication is different than other medication because it affects not only the mind but the behavior and emotions of an individual. There are two subclasses of psychotropic medication; the main types of this class of medicine would be antianxiety and antidepressant medication. Now there are two well supported sides to the argument of psychotropic medication, many believe prescribers are diagnosing the patients correctly and are giving the prescription to help. Others believe that prescribers are just attempting to make more money instead of looking for more options

In addition, there has been a “massive increase in drug usage for ADHD, Antidepressant, and Antipsychotics”. For example, a big issue is the fact that children that are diagnosed with “ADHD” aren’t diagnosed properly and the medications actually led to having a “negative impact”. This means that psychotropic drugs are only beneficially “when they are properly prescribed” (Smith, 2012, p. 36). Through research, there is evidence that psychotropic medication isn’t the only effective route. Meaning doctors, who just prescribe without care, are just bringing more harm for the patient. Within an article, it was stated that there has been a massive increase of medication that is being prescribed and this isn’t something necessarily to be proud of “due to the fact of the many dangerous side effects that occur” (Hall, 2005, p. 167). The results were at a point where patients aren’t given any additional options and aren’t told the risk of taking the medication given. In another article, Smith talked about other options such as Cognitive behavioral therapies. With the use of therapies, patients have a better “possibility of success with this route because it’s more effective without any risks” (Smith, 2012,