Source: # Is it true that once started, I will need them forever? *From the book – Chapter 15: Medicines and Medical Treatment* ## The fact Some people need long-term medication (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia); others take medicines for a limited period and taper under supervision. It depends on diagnosis and severity. ## Myths Myth 1: Psychiatric medicines are always addictive. Fact: most antidepressants, mood stabilisers, and antipsychotics are not. Some anti-anxiety and sleep medicines can cause dependence if misused. Myth 2: Medicines change your personality. Fact: they aim to reduce symptoms so the person can function better and be more like their true self. Myth 3: Once started, I will need them forever. Fact: some people need long-term medication (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia); others take medicines for a limited period and taper under supervision. It depends on diagnosis and severity. Myth 4: Medicines are the only treatment. Fact: best outcomes often combine medicines with therapy, lifestyle, and social support. [Read the full chapter – Chapter 15: Medicines and Medical Treatment](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/chapter/15/) ## Stories from real life - [Day Ten of the Little White Tablet](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/story/day-ten-of-the-little-white-tablet-59/) – Sunita, 38, a teacher in Jaipur, began a prescribed medicine for depression ten days ago. She feels slightly nauseous and sleepy, and nothing seems better yet.… - [Neha Asks About the Baby](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/story/neha-asks-about-the-baby-60/) – Neha, 31, has lived with bipolar disorder for eight years, steadied by a regular medicine and her doctor's plan. She and her husband Rishi are hoping… - [The Boy Who Could Finally Finish His Homework](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/story/the-boy-who-could-finally-finish-his-homework-61/) – Aarav, 9, in Bengaluru, cannot sit still. He loses his books, interrupts, and his homework takes three hours of tears. His teacher says he is bright… - [Mr Fernandes and the Sleeping Strip](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/story/mr-fernandes-and-the-sleeping-strip-62/) – Mr Fernandes, 74, a retired clerk in Goa, has taken a sleeping tablet every night for years, first prescribed after his wife died. Lately he has… ## Shloks - [Bhagavad Gita 2.47](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/shloka/bhagavad-gita-2-47-24/) – Your claim is to action alone, never to its fruits. Do not make the fruit the motive, and do not cling to inaction. More on this topic: [Counselling, therapy and psychiatric medicines explained](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/topic/therapy-medicines/) ## More questions - [Is it true that medicines are the only treatment?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/is-it-true-medicines-are-the-only-treatment/) - [What is true: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are commonly used to treat…?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/what-is-true-ssris-selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-are-commonly-used-to/) - [Who should prescribe psychiatric medications?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/who-should-prescribe-psychiatric-medications/) - [Which statement about psychiatric medications is TRUE?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/which-statement-about-psychiatric-medications-is-true/) - [What is true: benzodiazepines are typically used for…?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/what-is-true-benzodiazepines-are-typically-used-for/) - [What is true: medication compliance means…?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/what-is-true-medication-compliance-means/) - [What does Bhagavad Gita 2.47 mean for the mind? (Chapter 15)](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/meaning-bhagavad-gita-2-47-2/) - [Day Ten of the Little White Tablet – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/story-day-ten-of-the-little-white-tablet/) - [Neha Asks About the Baby – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/story-neha-asks-about-the-baby/) - [The Boy Who Could Finally Finish His Homework – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/story-the-boy-who-could-finally-finish-his-homework/) - [What happens in counselling or therapy?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/what-happens-in-therapy/) - [Myths and facts about mental health medicines](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/myths-about-mental-health-medicines/) [myadvisorfriend@gmail.com](mailto:myadvisorfriend@gmail.com) · [Contact](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/contact/) · [About](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/about/) · [Privacy](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/privacy/) · [Disclaimer](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/disclaimer/) --- *Psychology for Everyone – A Mental Well Being Series* by Satish Zope · free to read · Contact: [myadvisorfriend@gmail.com](mailto:myadvisorfriend@gmail.com) · [About](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/about/) · [Privacy](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/privacy/) · [Disclaimer](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/disclaimer/)