Pharmacotherapy means treatment with medications. Psychopharmacology, on the other hand, is the name given to studies that provide the use of medications in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

The way to properly understand the foundations of modern psychopharmacology is through correctly understanding the chemical, electrical, and anatomical structures of the brain. Modern psychopharmacology largely aims to treat the psychiatric symptoms that appear in areas such as thought, emotion, attitude–behavior, perception, memory, etc. with medications developed against impairments in mechanisms called neurotransmission.

The anatomical basis of neurotransmission consists of connections called synapses between nerve cells. There are trillions of synapses in the brain. Malfunctions in the nerve cells of our brain, which has such a complex structure, may lead to the emergence of psychiatric symptoms in a person.

The increasing understanding of brain functions enables the development of more effective medications with fewer side effects and better tolerability. The group of medications used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders are called psychotropics. For example; antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, hypnotics, etc.

When initiating medication for a psychiatric patient; many factors are considered such as the patient’s current psychiatric findings, general medical condition, possible comorbidities and/or potential interactions with medications used, as well as the effects of previously used medications. During the follow-up process, the effects and side effects of the medications are evaluated.

The belief that medication will be recommended to every patient who applies to a psychiatrist and that medications will cause more harm than benefit is incorrect. As in other branches of medicine, medications are not recommended to clients who are deemed not in need of them or who are evaluated as treatable with psychotherapy alone.

The most fundamental principle of medicine, “Primum non nocere” – First, do no harm, is also valid and indispensable for psychiatry, which is a branch of medicine.