Medication refers to: (1) A drug or medicine. (2) The administration of a drug or medicine.
In the psychology context, medication refers to drugs or other substances that are used to treat mental health conditions or disorders. Medications are often prescribed by psychiatrists or other mental health professionals, and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as talk therapy or behavioral interventions.
There are many different types of medications that are used to treat mental health conditions, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics. Each type of medication works differently and is used to treat specific conditions.
Here are a few examples of medications used to treat mental health conditions:
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Antidepressants are medications that are used to treat depression and other mood disorders. Examples include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac and Zoloft, and tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil and Tofranil.
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Antipsychotics are medications that are used to treat psychosis and other serious mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Examples include medications such as risperidone, olanzapine, and haloperidol.
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Mood stabilizers are medications that are used to treat mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Examples include medications such as lithium and valproic acid.
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Anxiolytics are medications that are used to treat anxiety disorders. Examples include medications such as benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium, and beta blockers, such as propranolol.