Which drugs are most effective in treating which psychological problems? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using medication to treat such problems?

What will be an ideal response?

The student should discuss the antipsychotics (such as clozapine) to treat schizophrenia, the antidepressants (like Prozac) for treating depression, lithium for treating bipolar disorder, antianxiety medications (like the barbiturates and benzodiazepines) to treat anxiety, and the stimulants to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. The use of such medications has led to fewer people hospitalized for mental health problems and many are quite successful in the treatment of mental problems in a quick, cost-effective manner. However, the side effects may be risky, addiction or overdose may occur, people may not take their medicines, and medications for some problems have not yet been developed. In addition, some fear that the wide acceptance of drug therapy is due in part to the huge investment drug companies have made in marketing their products, and then the willingness of physicians to prescribe the drugs.