Medications treat the symptoms of mental disorders. They cannot cure
the disorder, but they make people feel better so they can function.
Medications
work differently for different people. Some people get great results
from medications and only need them for a short time. For example, a
person with depression may feel much better after taking a medication
for a few months, and may never need it again. People with disorders
like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or people who have long-term or
severe depression or anxiety may need to take medication for a much
longer time.
Some people get side effects from medications and
other people don't. Doses can be small or large, depending on the
medication and the person. Factors that can affect how medications work
in people include:
- Type of mental disorder, such as
depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
- Age,
sex, and body size
- Physical illnesses
- Habits like
smoking and drinking
- Liver and kidney function
- Genetics
- Other
medications and herbal/vitamin supplements
- Diet
- Whether
medications are taken as prescribed.