Psychotropic

Psychotropic refers to any drug capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior. Some legal substances, such as alcohol and nicotine, are also psychotropics. The term is often associated with psychoactive drugs, and is often used interchangeably with this term, although they are not entirely the same.

Classification

Psychotropic drugs are classified into four major groups: antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and anxiolytics.

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are used primarily to manage psychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thought), principally in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are used primarily in bipolar disorder. Lithium and various anticonvulsants are used to treat bipolar disorder.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are drugs used to treat clinical depression, and they are often used in combination with other drugs to treat other mental health conditions. They may also be used to treat a number of other disorders.

Anxiolytics

Anxiolytics are used to treat anxiety disorders. The most common anxiolytics are the benzodiazepines.

See Also

• Psychoactive drug
• Psychopharmacology
• Psychiatry

References

Psychotropic Resources
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