What Is Psychiatric Medication Management?

Psychiatric medication management, commonly referred to as psychopharmacology, helps people take a comprehensive and personalized approach to identify the right medications to address their mental health symptoms.

Psychopharmacology involves working with a psychiatrist who understands the complexities associated with mental illness. This psychiatrist recognizes that each patient is different, and he or she understands that there is no one-size-fits-all medication to treat all types of mental illness. Thus, a patient can discuss his or her mental health concerns with a psychiatrist, who then works with this individual to develop a personalized psychopharmacology program.

With psychopharmacology, a patient receives a full diagnostic assessment that allows a psychiatrist to identify and diagnose mental and physical health issues. Following diagnosis, a psychiatrist may recommend one or more medications to help a patient safely and effectively manage his or her mental illness.

A patient who begins a psychopharmacology program receives ongoing medication management and follow-up care. A psychiatrist tracks his or her patient’s progress throughout treatment to ensure that he or she can achieve the best possible results. Psychiatric medication management can occasionally require coordinating with other prescribing providers such as primary care physicians, cardiologists, or OB/Gyn, all in order to ensure that there are no adverse medication interactions.

Is Medication the Best Option to Treat Mental Illness?

Psychopharmacology is one of several options to treat mental illness. Other mental health treatment options include:

• Psychotherapy

  is used to help people identify and resolve problems that contribute to mental illness.

• Ketamine therapy

  involves low-dose infusions of ketamine to help reduce symptoms of mental illness.

• Neurofeedback

  is a form of brainwave training designed to help the brain perform at its fullest capacity.

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS therapy)

  involves the use of magnetic pulses delivered to the brain to stimulate neurons responsible for depression symptoms.

At Headlight, we offer psychopharmacology and other mental health services. To schedule a free consultation with Headlight, please contact us online or call us today at 800-930-0803.