Other approaches
Psychopharmacotherapy (Medication Treatment)
What to know about psychiatric medication: regular use, side effects, dose changes and combining medication with psychotherapy.
Prof. Dr. Ali KeyvanPsychiatrist and Psychotherapist · Updated: 16 February 2024
Medication treatment in psychiatry, or psychopharmacotherapy, is provided with psychotropic medicines. These medicines have been reviewed by health authorities and can be used safely. Their use is set out in the treatment algorithms of the Psychiatric Association of Türkiye.
There are several things patients should keep in mind for their own health during medication treatment: taking the medicine prescribed by the psychiatrist regularly, informing the doctor about any side effects that appear, not stopping treatment or changing the dose without first discussing it with the doctor, and not using any psychiatric medicine without a prescription. The most accurate information about a medicine always comes from the prescribing doctor. For this reason, collaboration between patient and doctor is extremely important in medication treatment as well.
When needed, psychotherapy can be added to the treatment plan at an appropriate stage alongside medication, or the two can be started at the same time.
This page is for information only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. If you have similar symptoms, please consult a mental health professional.
Your psychiatrist
Prof. Dr. Ali Keyvan
Prof. Dr. Ali Keyvan is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. He practises, teaches and supervises cognitive behavioural and dialectical behaviour therapy as well as psychodynamic therapy and group analysis, and is a founding member of the Istanbul Group Analysis Association (IstGA). He sees clients at his clinic in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, and online.
