What do the medications do and how can they help me?
Most of the psychiatric or psychological conditions that Dr. Jesalva sees are due to a biological “imbalance” in the brain. There is growing evidence in the scientific literature that supports this. Psychotropic medications help to restore these “imbalances” so that the individual can lead productive lives again.
As an example, insulin is a hormone that some diabetics cannot produce. Providing insulin to diabetic patients allows their body to function normally again. In the same light, psychotropic medications restore the balance in the brain that is somehow missing in people with psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD.
As an example, insulin is a hormone that some diabetics cannot produce. Providing insulin to diabetic patients allows their body to function normally again. In the same light, psychotropic medications restore the balance in the brain that is somehow missing in people with psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD.
Will I get “addicted” to these medications?
Dr. Jesalva believes in using the safest medications, with the least side effects that will relieve the most symptoms. If properly used, medications are very helpful without the potential for addiction.
I’m afraid of the side effects that come with these medications. How will I know if they are permanent?
Before medications are prescribed, Dr. Jesalva will take the time to explain to each patient the alternatives to treatment, their pros and cons as well as the common side effects that can be expected with each medication. He understands that this may be an intimidating experience for those who are unfamiliar with this process so he emphasizes education and open communication as part of treatment.
How long do I have to stay on medications?
This is usually difficult to answer since it really depends on a case-by-case basis. Some factors that influence length of medication treatment include duration of time that you have been ill, presence of a family history of mental illness, the degree of stress that you are under, the number of coping skills that you can utilize during this stressful period of your life and amount of social support that you have.
ARE ANTIDEPRESSANTS "HAPPY PILLS?"
Antidepressants don’t induce happiness unlike drugs like amphetamines. They do, however, improve the symptoms of depression which may take up to 4-6 weeks.
These include improving tiredness, feeling unmotivated, being social withdrawn, irritable, tearful. More serious symptoms are feelings hopeless, worthless, and suicidal and homicidal ideation.
Treating depression is not just giving medications but involves a comprehensive approach which includes individual, couples or group therapy. Sometimes, with more severe cases, hospitalization or admission to a residential treatment center is necessary.
These include improving tiredness, feeling unmotivated, being social withdrawn, irritable, tearful. More serious symptoms are feelings hopeless, worthless, and suicidal and homicidal ideation.
Treating depression is not just giving medications but involves a comprehensive approach which includes individual, couples or group therapy. Sometimes, with more severe cases, hospitalization or admission to a residential treatment center is necessary.