Medication Treatment for Mental Health Conditions

A range of medications are used to treat various psychiatric disorders. Pharmacological options are carefully considered before making a collaborative decision with our patients.

Anti-Anxiety Medications and Hypnotics

Benzodiazepines like Diazepam and Lorazepam can be used in severe symptoms of anxiety and agitation but these are usually used for short durations due to habit forming properties.

Pregabalin can also be used to treat severe generalized anxiety and associated somatic pain problems.

Zopiclone is often used for short periods for sleep regulation in severe cases of insomnia.

Anti-Dementia Medications

These medications are used to delay progression of dementia and behavioural problems associated with the dementia. Donepezil, Memantine, Rivastigmine and Galantamine are some of the medications used for helping with the cognitive and behavioural symptoms of dementia including aggression.

Antidepressants

A range of antidepressants can be used to treat depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders. Most of the antidepressants regulate Serotonin and Noradrenaline in the brain which can help improve mood and the effects of depression and mood disorders.

Antidepressants are also licensed for other conditions, for example, anxiety, phobias and panic disorders.

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are uses to treat symptoms of psychosis, bipolar conditions, and severe psychotic depression. The antipsychotics can help alleviate distressing acute symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and severe mood and behaviour changes associated with these conditions.

Mood Stabilisers

Mood stabilisers are primarily used to treat symptoms of bipolar disorders and cyclothymic conditions where mood fluctuates and can benefit from regulation. Lithium, Lamotrigine and Sodium Valproate are commonly used treatments for these conditions. Sometimes, the mood stabilisers can be used as adjunct to treat resistant depressive symptoms or help with anxiety which can often be present in mood disorders.

Stimulants Drugs for ADHD

Stimulants like Methylphenidate and Dexamphetamine are used for treating ADHD symptoms where it is identified that a naturally occurring chemical - called dopamine, can benefit from assistive regulation. These treatments help with inattentive and executive functioning difficulties and can also be advantageous for hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation and impulsivity symptoms. Stimulants are prescribed under the regulation of controlled drugs.

Non-Stimulant Drugs for ADHD

Non-stimulant treatments for ADHD work on a different brain chemical - called norepinephrine, than the stimulant drugs. Atomoxetine is the main non-stimulant used to treat ADHD and sometimes Guanfacine can also be used.

Next Steps

For more information or to find out how to book an appointment then please contact us.