Psychiatric medications, also referred as psychotropics, are prescription drugs used to control symptoms associated with many different types of mental illness. Although they cannot cure the patient’s original condition, they can help patients manage symptoms and live fuller lives.

First developed in the 1950s, psychiatric medications have become increasingly effective over time while resulting in fewer or minor side effects. There are many different types of psychiatric medications, including anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Different medications are effective at treating various types of mental illness.

Treatment with medications may be either short-term or long-term. It is common for certain types of medications to work for some patients and not for others. People with mental illnesses should not be discouraged if a medication does not help control their symptoms, as there is likely an alternative drug or combination of medications that will be effective.