Psycopharmacology and You: Today’s Promise For Tomorrow’s Future
July 23, 2011
Psychopharmacology is a rewarding and complex area of clinical research that has improved life for many people. Although there have been vast improvements in quality, availability, and effectiveness of medications, more needs to be done. In addition to the development of medication, each new formulation that provides benefits to patients also gives the fields of psychology and medicine more information about brain function, and the underlying neurochemistry involved in various types of mental illness. New pieces of information are a step toward better long-term treatment with fewer side effects, providing hope for the future.
The treatment and management of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have long been considered mental illnesses that can be difficult to manage. Many atypical antipsychotics are reasonably effective in reducing symptoms with a decreased long-term risk of tardive dyskinesia, particularly in bipolar disorder where the risk of tardive dyskinesia is often higher. Atypical antipsychotics are also associated with increased risks of metabolic problems and substantial weight gain.
Commonly prescribed mood stabilizers also have a high risk of substantial weight gain, and the dosage needs to be monitored closely due to risks of toxicity. The future in treatment for both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are significantly decreasing short-term side effects and possibly eliminating the risk of a permanent movement disorder, while maintaining effectiveness. Another part of this goal is developing medications at reasonable prices, particularly for the uninsured and in clinical settings where therapy is often dictated by price.
Another area of interest is developing medications with similar effectiveness to benzodiazepines, without the severe potential for abuse and dependence. These medications are effective for panic disorder and short-term management of anxiety disorders, however they present unique challenges. Areas of mental health such as personality disorders, which have been considered mostly untreatable, may find new hope in tomorrow’s discoveries.The information doesn’t stop now. Keep looking: Knowing Bipolar Disorder