If our body is affected by a disease, we need medication to treat it. However, our body is made up of complex systems that react to the medicines we take. So, before taking any medication, we need to be aware of its effects on our bodies. Since a layperson cannot possibly know about the impact of every medicine on the body, we need a pharmacologist to help us. Psychopharmacology Dubai helps pharmacologists learn how different drugs affect our mood, sensations, and behavior.
Table of Contents
What is psychopharmacology?
Psychopharmacology generally deals with the effects of medications used for treating mental disorders. It is the scientific study of the impact these medications leave on human behavior and health. Psychopharmacology usually tells how the intake of medicines affects human behavior, mood, thinking, routine activities, and life overall. It also emphasizes the relationship between medications and the changes in the nervous system.
Psychopharmacology Dubai helps understand:
- The extent to which the medication is attached to the proteins in the blood (Protein Binding)
- The duration for which the medication stays inside the body (Half-Life)
- Genes varying from individual to individual (Polymorphic Genes)
- How different medications affect each other (Drug-to-Drug Interactions)
Who is a psychopharmacologist?
A Psychopharmacologist Dubai is a physician or psychiatrist who uses psychotropic medication for treating patients. Generally, these medications are used for treating mental disorders. Therefore, a psychopharmacologist must have extensive knowledge of:
- clinical medicine
- basic neuroscience
- basic psychopharmacology
- differential diagnosis of mental disorders
Psychopharmacology is a complex field, and psychopharmacologists must be up-to-date with advancements in the field. They must be aware of the clinically relevant principles of:
- pharmacokinetics (what the body does to medication)
- pharmacodynamics (what the medicines do to the body)
Besides having a basic knowledge of these aspects, psychopharmacologists must build a therapeutic relationship with patients.
How does a psychopharmacologist work?
A psychopharmacologist is a knowledgeable authority on how a particular drug might impact a patient with a specific psychological condition. They know how the medications work and what the expected clinical outcomes are. Since medicines also affect the functioning of the central nervous system, a psychopharmacologist should also have basic knowledge of neurobiology.
When psychopharmacologists in Dubai prescribe medicine to a patient, they understand the composition and function of the drug. Moreover, they are also aware of how the medicine will interact with the body. They are also aware of the medicine’s pharmacodynamics, which means the consequences of the drug.
Psychotropic Medications
Psychopharmacologists use various psychotropic medications for treating different mental illnesses, each with specific uses and benefits. Some of the most common medications include:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-Anxiety Medications
- Antipsychotics
- Hypnotics
- Stimulants
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are commonly used for reducing depression which affects our mood. These antidepressants help reduce mood swings and provide a relaxing mental state. A psychopharmacologist Dubai uses specific medications for depression control, inhibiting the nervous system’s enzymes, including monoamine oxides.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Anti-anxiety medications are ideal for reducing anxiety symptoms, including extreme fear, anxiousness, panic attacks, etc. As a result of taking anti-anxiety medications, patients feel relaxed and less anxious at minimal doses.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are receptor blockers that help treat different mental disorders. These are primarily used for treating psychosis. Generally, there are two types of antipsychotic drugs – first-generation antipsychotics and second-generation antipsychotics. A psychotherapist will be responsible for prescribing antipsychotic medicines to patients.
Hypnotics
Hypnotics usually treat the symptoms of different sleep disorders. Benzodiazepines are the most widely prescribed sedative-hypnotics; however, a non-benzodiazepine medicine is also used as hypnotics nowadays. Though they lack the chemical structure of benzodiazepines, their sedative result is equally effective on the nervous system.
Stimulants
Stimulants are commonly used for improving concentration, increasing alertness, and boosting energy. Cocaine is a known stimulant causing effects like increased alertness, improved confidence, lower fatigue, and a sense of happiness. Most patients are recommended stimulants after psychotherapy, depending on their condition. These stimulants directly work with the neurons and perform their function.
Psychopharmacology FAQs
Is medication the best treatment for mental illness?
Although medication is not the best treatment for mental illness, it can suppress and manage symptoms. However, combing therapies with medication can help effectively treat mental disorders.
How long does it take for psychotropic medications to work?
Psychotropic medication usually takes 4-6 weeks to be fully effective. However, some prescribed medicines can also have an immediate effect.
What medications do psychiatrists prescribe for anxiety?
A psychiatrist will only prescribe medicine based on your symptoms and current state of mind. However, the most common medications are citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, and sertraline (Zoloft).
Is a psychopharmacologist a psychiatrist?
Yes, a psychopharmacologist is a psychiatrist. The primary difference is that the psychopharmacologist further specializes in studying the effects of different medications on the human body. Moreover, they also undertake clinical trials of the drugs.
Is mental illness completely curable?
Most mental illnesses are incurable, but some mental illnesses can be cured with therapy and proper medication. Besides, symptoms of almost all mental illnesses can be reduced with treatment for the sufferer to live a normal life.
Consult an Expert
If you suffer from a mental disorder and want to give Psychopharmacology Dubai a chance, consult an expert today. We have professional Psychopharmacologists with years of experience working at the Euromed Clinic Center. So, please schedule an appointment with us today by filling the form or giving us a call.
Check Out Our Specialists Profiles
Dr. Bahjat Balbous
Physician Specialist PsychiatryDr. Bahjat Balbous is a DHA-licensed psychiatrist having more than 25 years of experience. He uses the latest Neurofeedback therapy in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other related disorders.
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