LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Plenty of people see prescribed medication as a valid option to help with mental illness, but others may view it as difficult for daily life. The decision to use psychiatric medication requires thorough consideration of whether the benefits outweigh the cons.

Most psychiatric medications work by altering brain chemistry and regulating the levels of specific neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These medications are commonly prescribed to correct an imbalance in the brain’s chemistry and alleviate the symptoms of mental illness. Although they are shown to remove symptoms that affect daily functions, various studies have revealed that there can be rare but severe side effects from taking psychiatric medication.

Psychiatric medications have both pros and cons. Antidepressants can lead to symptoms including memory issues, attention difficulties, changes in thought process and even thoughts of suicide. However, they can also help reduce symptoms of depression, hopelessness, tiredness, or sleep disturbances.

”Some medications can become addictive, and some medications can be very hard to withdraw from,” said Mr. Whitcomb, a Los Alamitos High School Advanced Placement Psychology teacher.

Chances of addiction are based on how prone an individual is, either from genetics or personal indulgence. Becoming addicted to psychiatric medications can have a negative effect. 

Most psychiatric medications take up to 2-4 weeks to be absorbed by the body and to feel the effects. Following the prolonged use of psychiatric medicine, withdrawal symptoms will likely occur.

Medications for psychological disorders prescribed to young people between the ages of 3 and 24 were analyzed from the National Longitudinal Prescription database. Their studies proved that the average age at which psychiatric medicine was prescribed fell between 13 and 18. The stress of school and teenage hormones play a role in teenage psychology; this leads many students to lean towards medication as a solution to their mental health. 

“(Psychiatric medicine) has improved me tremendously by providing focus and not just doing assignments, but also conversations,” said Kaylyn Kekacs, a LAHS sophomore.

The most common psychological disorders medicated for are depression and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Specific side effects of ADHD medications may include decreased appetite, sleep difficulty, anxiety, growth delay, nausea and a change in blood pressure.  

“These (side effects) do not affect my daily functioning as long as I know to still eat and drink plenty of water,” said Kekacs.

Side effects affect daily functioning only in certain circumstances, such as not consuming enough food and water daily. Although difficult, it’s possible to adapt to these requirements. At times, the effects of a psychological condition can be considerably more difficult than living with the side effects of medication. Another thing to consider is the basis for declining mental health. 

“I have struggled with depression, starting with seasonal, then chronic and now slowing back down to seasonal,” said Sophia Gatica, LAHS senior.

Poor mental health can be a consequence of both genetics and environment. In frequent cases, it is shown that the environment has been a main reason for mental health to fluctuate. Seasonal affective disorder, SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during the late fall and winter and generally ends by spring or early summer. Common symptoms of seasonal depression can include feeling hopeless, difficulties with sleep, appetite loss/gain, feeling lethargic and irritated. The lack of light during wintertime can disrupt the circadian rhythm, leading to the brain releasing an abundance of melatonin. Antidepressants are the most common drugs used to treat SAD since they increase serotonin levels.

Psychiatric medication can cause major life changes, but it often comes with risks to consider. The debate of whether the pros outweigh the cons is still undetermined, but it’s important to research before taking action when it comes to psychiatric medications.