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Types of Medications

Explore different types of medications

How Do Medications Work? 

BASIC FUNCTION REVIEW

In the brain, neurons relay messages using what are called neurotransmitters. These are chemicals such as dopamine or serotonin. They are what control our emotions, reactions, and actions. They are our brain's responses to environmental factors.

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Neuron

BASIC FUNCTION REVIEW

Neurotransmitters stored in the axon terminal travel to the nearby dendrite and create a chemical bridge so electronic messages can travel between the gap.

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The type and quantity of neurotransmitters in the synapse (space between the axon terminal and the dendrite) impact how messages are sent and received. Again, this is what affects how a person feels, reacts, and acts.

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Axon Terminal

Dendrite

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Axon Terminal

Synapse

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Axon Terminal

Dendrite

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Dendrite

MEDICATION'S IMPACT ON NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Different medications behave in different ways. Specific medications impact specific neurotransmitters. Additionally, some medications are designed to block the production of neurotransmitters, while others increase the production.

Through introducing medication, it changes the amount of neurotransmitters in your body and starts a series of chemical changes that happen in the cells and neurons.

 

These changes eventually produce significant changes in the way that these neurons send and receive information, as well as function in general.

 

This is why you have to be consistent about taking medications, and it takes time to adjust to them.

PROS AND CONS OF MEDICATIONS

PROS

CONS

  • Aid in recovery

  • Short-term recovery assistance

  • Helps with severe symptoms

  • Can help manage symptoms

  • Effective

  • Safe

  • It can take a while to find the right one

  • Side effects - weight fluctuations, sleep changes, headaches - depends on the medication

  • Some don't work for everyone

SSRIs

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors 

(SSRIs)

SSRIs are used to treat and ease symptoms of moderate depression. They are relatively safe and typically cause fewer side effects than other types of depression.

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Many also couple this medication treatment with CBT.

WHAT THEY TREAT

LIST OF SSRIs

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)

  • Citalopram (Celexa)

  • Sertraline (Zoloft)

  • Paroxetine (Paxil)

  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

  • Headache

  • Drowsiness

  • Dry mouth

  • Insomnia

  • Nervousness, agitation or restlessness

  • Dizziness

  • Sexual problems, such as reduced sexual desire, difficulty reaching orgasm or inability to maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)

  • Impact on appetite, leading to weight loss or weight gain

MAIN IDEAS

  • It is more valuable to focus on the 'here and now,' ask yourself what you can improve in the future

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  • Goals you set should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-limited)

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  • Be aware of your underlying assumptions and learn to see other perspectives

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  • It's important to be mindful and distinguish thoughts from facts

DBT

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

SUMMARY

Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) was developed by a woman named Dr. Marsha Linehan to address her concerns with CBT in treating patients with BPD - it's branched off from CBT.

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Its main goals are to teach people to live mindfully, regulate emotions, find healthy coping methods, and foster growth in their interpersonal relationships. Although originally developed to treat BPD, it has been adapted to also assist in treating patients with other conditions, such as PTSD.

What does dialectal mean?
 

Two opposing things being true at once.

BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE WITH

  • BPD

  • PTSD

  • Self-harm addictions

  • Suicidal Behavior

  • Substance abuse disorders

  • Eating disorders

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

DIFFERENCE FROM OTHER THERAPIES

DBT was developed to help people with extreme and unstable emotions / harmful behaviors learn to regulate their emotions.

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It is a modified version of CBT that uses traditional techniques and employs other strategies such as radical acceptance and mindfulness.

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DBT has a few main differences in treatment, including the consistent dialectal philosophy, mindfulness/acceptance interventions, and focusing emotions during treatment.

DBT UNITS

There are four modules to DBT, including Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance, and Emotion Regulation. Each module is designed to develop skills gradually built through group and individual therapy.

 

Mindfulness: This module is about practicing a non-judgemental stance focused awareness on the present. It allows you to attend to your thoughts, feeling, and behaviors without being overwhelmed by your feelings.

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Interpersonal Effectiveness: This module is about attending to relationships, keeping boundaries, balance "wants" and "shoulds," and builds a sense of mastery and self-respect.

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Distress Tolerance: This module helps patients manage distress healthily; when they feel overwhelmed, this module offers healthy alternatives rather than acting on urges.

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Emotional Regulation: This module helps teach patients to cope more effectively with situations they might be in. The skills they learn are ones of dealing with change and learning acceptance.

MAIN IDEAS

  • All things are interconnected

 

  • Change is constant and inevitable

 

  • Always look for the kernel of truth in what others are saying

 

  • Understand that more than one thing can be true at once

 

  • When making decisions, try to make sure that you are making decisions with both logic and emotions, not wholly one or the other

Humanisitic Therapy

Humanistic Therapy

SUMMARY

An approach that looks at how your worldview affects your choices, especially those that cause distress. This form of therapy is designed based on the belief that you're the best person to understand your experiences and needs. Humanistic therapists simply listen and offer guidance and support without interpreting your feelings for you.

BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE WITH

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Panic Disorders

  • Personality Disorders

  • Schizophrenia

  • Addiction

  • Schizophrenia

  • Those with low self-esteem

  • Interpersonal Issues

MAIN IDEAS

  • Unconditional positive regard

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  • Empathetic understanding

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  • Genuineness, honesty, and transparency

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy

SUMMARY

Psychodynamic therapy is developed from psychoanalysis, which is a long-term approach to mental health treatment. The term psychotherapy was coined in the late 19th century.

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Within psychoanalysis, you can expect to talk about anything on your mind and to uncover patterns in thoughts and behavior that might add to your distress. It's also common to talk about your childhood, past, and dreams.

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It focuses on increasing your awareness of unconscious thoughts and behaviors, developing new insights into your motivations, and resolving conflicts.

BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE WITH

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Panic and Stress Disorders

DIFFERENCE FROM OTHER THERAPIES

Psychodynamic therapy is a longer-term approach to mental health treatment than other therapies, such as CBT. But different types of therapy, such as CBT, are developed from psychotherapy.

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Traditional psychoanalysis, from which psychotherapy comes, is a form of treatment that can go on for years.

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Patients work with their therapists to examine the connection between the unconscious mind and actions. This involves exploring your emotions, relationships, and thought patterns.

MAIN IDEAS

  • It is valuable to recognize recurring patterns that can help people see how they avoid distress or develop defense mechanisms to cope

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  • Behavior is influenced by unconscious thought

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  • Once vulnerable or painful feelings are processed, defense mechanisms reduce or resolve

Alternative Forms of Therapy

Alternative Forms of Therapy 

  • Dietary Supplements

  • Meditation

  • Chiropractic

  • Aromatherapy

  • Massage Therapy

  • Reiki

  • Music Therapy

  • Art Therapy

  • Yoga

  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation

  • Spirituality, Religion, and Prayer

  • Movement Therapy

  • Acupuncture

  • Biofeedback

  • Hypnosis

Therapy is just like medications; different combinations may work for different people. It may take some research and trial and error. 

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Most often, a combination of therapy coupled with alternative therapies tends to be effective for people struggling.

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PsychologyToday is a great resource for looking for therapists!

Please dial the suicide prevention hotline at 988 if you are in need of immedate assistance.

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