What is true: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are commonly used to treat…?
From the book – Chapter 15: Medicines and Medical Treatment
The right answer
Depression and anxiety disorders
Why medicines are used
Mental disorders involve real changes in brain circuits, neurotransmitters, hormones, and body systems. For many people, especially with moderate to severe conditions, medicines are an important part of treatment.
Medicines do not change personality or create dependency when used correctly. They aim to:
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Reduce symptoms (low mood, anxiety, psychosis, mania, obsessions, panic).
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Restore balance in brain chemicals and body systems.
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Improve sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration.
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Enable the person to benefit more from therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support.
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Prevent relapse and hospitalisation.
WHO and psychiatric guidelines recognise medicines as effective treatments for many mental disorders when prescribed and monitored by qualified professionals.
Read the full chapter – Chapter 15: Medicines and Medical Treatment
Stories from real life
- Day Ten of the Little White Tablet – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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
More questions
- Who should prescribe psychiatric medications?
- Which statement about psychiatric medications is TRUE?
- What is true: benzodiazepines are typically used for…?
- What is true: medication compliance means…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.47 mean for the mind? (Chapter 15)
- Day Ten of the Little White Tablet – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Neha Asks About the Baby – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Boy Who Could Finally Finish His Homework – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Mr Fernandes and the Sleeping Strip – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- When the House Cannot Hold the Storm – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What happens in counselling or therapy?
- Myths and facts about mental health medicines