According to the latest OSMED report from the Italian Medicines Agency, in Italy as many as 17 million people have taken or use psychotropic drugs. Half are over 67 years old, however in the decade 2010-2019 there was an increase in requests from minors for services on the mental health by approximately 5% per year. The situation has not improved in the time of Covid. After the pandemic, in fact, there was a +37% of hospitalizations and a +40% of visits to clinics.
However, exponential growth has certainly not helped to overcome the prejudices that are often associated with mental illness. The issue is even more delicate when it comes to psychotropic drugs. As the psychiatrist and psychotherapist pointed out Tiziana Corteccioni in his book “Do I need a pill?” published by Vallardi, in the imagination of many these medicines represent a weakness, a manifest inability to control one’s emotions or, even, a ‘point of no return’.
What are psychotropic drugs
The term psychotropic drugs indicates the active ingredients which, by acting on the central nervous systempositively or negatively influence the release of details neurotransmitters. They are prescribed by medical specialists (psychiatrists, neurologists) and serve to control the symptoms associated with various disorders, including anxiety, depression and psychosis. There are, therefore, different ones typologies:
- Anxiolytics: they are among the most used molecules. They are employed to deal various types of pathologies (generalized anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, phobias, panic attacks). These include benzodiazepines and partial serotonin receptor agonists
- Antidepressants: they are not used exclusively for treat depression and bipolar disorder, but are also recommended to keep illnesses such as under control neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. These include tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, type A monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Hypnotic sedatives: they are used to treat theinsomnia sometimes in an indiscriminate manner. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines promote sleep
- Antipsychotics: the name itself suggests it. These molecules are prescribed to treat various forms of psychosis. Based on their chemical structure they are divided into benzamide and benzazepine derivatives, phenothiazines and butyrophenones.
Psychotropic drugs and prejudices
“They hurt”. “They are addictive.” “If I take them it means I’m very serious.” These are just some of the taboos that revolve around “head medicines”, stale prejudices that weigh down the treatment path of the patient and his family. In his book Tiziana Corteccioni sheds light on mental illnesses and dismantles the false myths on the topic.
1. They are for crazy people
This belief comes from a distorted perception of mental disorders and their treatment. In reality these molecules are valid therapeutic tools for treating a wide range of pathologies, they are not only useful for people who are mistakenly labeled as “crazy”. Taking psychiatric drugs is not an indicator of insanity, but it is a step towards recovery well being.
2. They are not necessary because anxiety and depression do not worsen the quality of life
This is a very dangerous bias as it downplays the debilitating impact of anxiety and depression on an individual’s quality of life. Psychotropic drugs are effective in reducing symptoms and allowing patients to recover check of its existence.
3. Antidepressants are taken by weak people
This is an unfair judgment that leads to stigma against people taking antidepressants. Depression is a serious and disabling disease that requires adequate treatment. The use of antidepressants is not synonymous with weakness, but it is a sign of courage in facing a difficult challenge.
4. They hurt
While these molecules may have side effects, they are not inherently harmful. As with any medicine, it is best to evaluate the potential benefits and raise any concerns you may have with your doctor safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.
5. They burden the liver or kidneys
This is a myth that generalizes the side effects of psychotropic drugs. Not all of them cause liver and kidney problems. The specialist must to monitor organ function carefully during therapy.
6. I prefer DIY
Self-medication can be dangerous and lead to serious health consequences. You always have to to consult your doctor before starting or stopping any drug treatment.
7. They are addictive
Although some molecules are capable of causing addiction if used improperly, when they are prescribed and taken in adequate manner the risk becomes minimal.
8. If I take them, I don’t need psychotherapy
Psychotherapy and drug therapy often go hand in hand in treating mental disorders. While medicines can help manage symptoms, psychotherapy can provide concrete tools to address the causes of discomfort and promote recovery long-term.
9. I confide in friends and I don’t need to talk to a psychotherapist
Sharing your experiences with friends can be useful for emotional support, however it cannot replace the professional support of a psychotherapist. The latter is trained to provide the best advice to deal with mental problems effectively.
10. Psychotherapy is not a science and psychotropic drugs are a Big Pharma conspiracy
Psychotherapy is a practice based on solid scientific theories and methodologies. Psychotropic drugs, on the other hand, are developed through rigorous methods clinical studies and are regulated by health authorities.
