Psychotherapy and Medication

Allow me to say a brief word about psychotropic medication or those medicines popularly known as anti-depressant, anti- anxiety, and anti-psychotic medications. Many mental health professionals today, including those of us influenced by psychoanalysis, sometimes refer patients to a psychiatrist for a medication assessment. Matter of fact some mental illnesses, including severe depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia may require medication before psychotherapy can occur. However, all clinicians and patients need to be aware of the risks and side effects associated with psychotropic medications.  There is much research today that reveals these risks and side effects.  We must all stay informed. So yes, SOMETIMES medicine may be needed alongside psychotherapy, but I think the research shows that the most effective treatment first course of treatment is analytically oriented psychotherapy.