National Alliance on Mental Illness
Medication Information

Medications are used to treat symptoms of mental disorders such as Schizophrenia, depression, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety disorders, and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Sometimes medications are used with other treatments such as psychotherapy.

Psychiatric medications treat mental disorders. Sometimes called psychotropic or psychotherapeutic medications, they have changed the lives of people with mental disorders for the better. Many people with mental disorders live fulfilling lives with the help of these medications. Without them, people with mental disorders might suffer serious and disabling symptoms.

Medications treat the symptoms of mental disorders. They cannot cure the disorder, but they make people feel better so they can function.

Medications work differently for different people. Some people get great results from medications and only need them for a short time. For example, a person with depression may feel much better after taking a medication for a few months, and may never need it again.

People with disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or people who have long-term or severe depression or anxiety may need to take medication for a much longer time. Some people can experience side effects from medications ranging from mild to extreme.