Do psychiatrist medications change personality? The specialist clearly explains how such measures work
Sometimes patients fear that the medications prescribed by a psychiatrist will affect their personality. However, this is just a harmful myth that should not be repeated. See what the expert says about this.
Medications prescribed by a psychiatrist are extremely important in the treatment of many mental disorders and diseases. In cases of depression, antidepressants can help regulate mood and improve the patient's quality of life. For people suffering from anxiety disorders, anti-anxiety medications can significantly reduce the symptoms of the condition, allowing them to function normally. Each case is individual, therefore appropriate medications and dosages are selected by a psychiatrist based on a detailed assessment of the patient's health condition. However, it sometimes happens that patients are afraid that the drugs prescribed by a psychiatrist will change their personality.
Do psychiatrist medications change personality?
Joanna Adamiak, doctor, specialist in psychiatry, intensively involved in outpatient treatment since 2014, member of the Polish Psychiatric Association, published a recording on her Instagram in which she indicated how The myth that psychiatrist's medications change personality is very harmful. The specialist emphasized that he should be permanently removed from our society, adding that “mental suffering changes a person.” The doctor explains that the appropriate medications that the psychiatrist prescribes to the patient are intended to reduce this suffering and reverse the negative effects of the disorder.
How do medications prescribed by a psychiatrist work?
As the expert explains, currently no medications are used that would in any way affect a person's lifestyle or personality. She also added that she, being aware of how important it is for the patient to understand the meaning of his treatment, always tries to explain during the visit why such drugs are recommended, how long a person should take them, and how they are supposed to help her. The psychiatrist also warns that spreading false information about taking psychotropic drugs and inducing fear among patients may have tragic consequences, for example, untreated depression may lead to death.
Please remember that taking such medications allows you to regain health and enjoy life again. Additionally, it improves sleep and, as the expert emphasizes, “removes anxiety and numerous somatic symptoms.” The doctor also mentions that thanks to them it is possible to return to work and sometimes save the relationship.
Rules applicable to prescriptions for psychotropic drugs
From August 2, 2023, before prescribing psychotropic drugs to a patient, a doctor is obliged to check what drugs were previously prescribed to the patient, what they are taking and in what doses. For this purpose, it may ask the patient to share his treatment history. If, in turn, the doctor does not check the patient's prescription history, the system reminds him about it, which blocks the possibility of issuing a prescription for psychotropic drugs. Without an examination, a specialist may write a prescription for such drugs to a sick person only if less than three months have passed since the previous examination. If more time has passed, the patient must come for the examination (it can take place in the form of stationary or teleconsultation). The patient can share his prescription history with the doctor via the Online Patient Account, the MojeIKP phone application, as well as a code that he receives via SMS during the visit.
