c. Combined Psychopharmacotherapy (Medications) & Psychotherapy (Counseling)
Some psychiatric disorders require the addition of psychopharmacotherapy (medication) when psychotherapy (counseling) alone is not sufficient to control or resolve the disorder (e.g., depressive or anxiety disorders). In addition, some psychiatric disorders do not respond well to only
The Grand Tetons, Wyoming, photo by Christopher Frank
psychotherapy (e.g., ADHD, schizophrenia).
In such cases, the combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is advisable. The preponderance of research indicates that one gets the most robust response in psychiatric treatment when counseling and medications are combined. The good news is that the medications in use today are much safer and more effective than in previous times. In addition, there have been significant improvements in the theory and practice of psychotherapy in recent years. All of these things combine to offer the patient the best chances for healing ever available in history.
There are currently over 400 different kinds of psychotherapy, but these fall into two large categories. For more information on these categories, please go back one page to b. Psychotherapy (Counseling) Only.
For more information about the theory and practice of combined pharmacotherapy/psychotherapy, please check back soon for upcoming video lectures which will be available under the tab above, EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS.