Mind & mood

Mental health: medicines & conditions

Mental-health conditions affect mood, thinking, sleep and daily functioning. Medicines can play an important part — usually alongside talking therapies and support — by gently adjusting the brain chemistry involved in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis and related problems.

Education and reference only. This hub explains which medicines relate to the mental health and why — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.

About the mental health

Mental-health medicines, including antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilisers, generally take some weeks to reach their full effect, so patience and steady use matter. Several should be reduced gradually rather than stopped abruptly, and some — such as lithium and clozapine — need regular blood monitoring. Important safety themes include watching mood closely when starting antidepressants (especially in younger people), the pregnancy cautions around certain mood stabilisers, and using sleeping tablets and similar drugs only short-term because of dependence. These treatments work best as one part of a broader plan that includes therapy, social support and follow-up.

What this covers

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
  • Sleep problems (insomnia)
  • Alcohol and drug dependence

Conditions in this area

Mental health conditions (54)

Each links to a dose-free guide showing which medicine classes are used and how treatment is approached.

Mental health Adjustment disorder An emotional reaction to a stressful life event or change that is more intense or prolonged than expected — usually impr… Mental health Agoraphobia A fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable — such as crowds, public transport or leaving h… Mental health Alcohol dependence A pattern of drinking that has become hard to control, with cravings, tolerance and withdrawal as the body comes to rely… Mental health Anorexia nervosa A serious eating disorder involving restricting food and an intense fear of gaining weight, with a distorted body image … Mental health Anxiety disorders Persistent, excessive worry and physical tension that interfere with daily life — treated mainly with talking therapies … Mental health Anxiety in pregnancy Anxiety during pregnancy, which is common and understandable but can become troubling — where support and treatment are … Mental health Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent inattention, impulsivity and sometimes hyperactivity that interferes… Mental health Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder An eating disorder where food is limited or avoided — not driven by body-image concerns — which can affect nutrition and… Mental health Benzodiazepine dependence Dependence on "benzo" sedative medicines (such as diazepam), which can develop even with prescribed use — managed with a… Mental health Binge eating disorder The most common eating disorder, with recurring episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food with a sense of loss … Mental health Bipolar disorder A long-term mood condition with episodes of mania or hypomania and depression — managed with mood-stabilising medicines,… Mental health Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) A mental health condition in which a person becomes preoccupied with one or more perceived flaws in their appearance tha… Mental health Body image concerns How a person thinks and feels about their body, which when negative can affect confidence, mood and behaviour — helped b… Mental health Borderline personality disorder (EUPD) A condition involving intense, rapidly changing emotions, unstable relationships and difficulty with self-image — treata… Mental health Bulimia nervosa A serious eating disorder with recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by behaviours meant to "undo" them — such as … Mental health Burnout A state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress — often work-related — causing tiredness, det… Mental health Cannabis use disorder A pattern of cannabis use that becomes harmful or hard to control, affecting health, mood and daily life — where support… Mental health Claustrophobia An intense fear of enclosed or confined spaces that can trigger anxiety or panic — common and very treatable, particular… Mental health Complex PTSD A condition that can develop after prolonged or repeated trauma, with the features of PTSD plus difficulties with emotio… Mental health Cyclothymia A mood condition causing milder, ongoing ups and downs in mood — less severe than bipolar disorder, but persistent and w… Mental health Depersonalisation-derealisation A sense of being detached from yourself or that the world is unreal, which is common briefly and usually harmless, but c… Mental health Depression A common condition causing persistent low mood and loss of interest that affects daily life — treated with talking thera… Mental health Dissociative disorders Mental health conditions involving a sense of disconnection from oneself, one’s surroundings, memories, or identity — of… Mental health Gender dysphoria and incongruence A sense of unease or distress arising from a mismatch between a person’s experienced gender and their sex assigned at bi… Mental health Grief and bereavement The natural response to loss, especially the death of someone close — usually not an illness, but sometimes needing supp… Mental health Health anxiety Persistent, excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness, despite reassurance — a distressing but treata… Mental health Hoarding disorder A recognised mental-health condition involving persistent difficulty parting with possessions, leading to clutter that d… Mental health Insomnia Persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep that affects daytime function — treated first with sleep habits and a st… Mental health Loneliness The distressing feeling of being alone or disconnected from others, which is common and can affect mental and physical h… Mental health Munchausen syndrome A rare, serious mental health condition where a person feigns or produces illness in themselves to take on the role of a… Mental health Nail biting A very common habit of biting the nails, often linked to stress or concentration — usually harmless but sometimes damagi… Mental health Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) A condition where unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) drive repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) — tr… Mental health Opioid use disorder A dependence on opioids (such as heroin or prescription painkillers) that is harmful and hard to control — a treatable m… Mental health Panic disorder A condition of recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and a persistent fear of further attacks — treated with cognitive beh… Mental health Perinatal anxiety Anxiety during pregnancy or after birth, which is common and treatable — important to recognise, as it can be overlooked… Mental health Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) A condition that can develop after a frightening or traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance and … Mental health Postnatal depression Depression that develops in the year after having a baby — a common and treatable illness, not a personal failing — mana… Mental health Postpartum psychosis A rare but serious mental illness that can develop rapidly after childbirth, causing confusion, mood changes and loss of… Mental health Premenstrual dysphoric disorder A severe form of premenstrual syndrome with intense mood and physical symptoms in the days before a period — a recognise… Mental health Psychosis A state in which someone loses some contact with reality — for example through hallucinations or delusions — which is tr… Mental health Psychotic depression A severe form of depression in which a person also experiences psychosis (such as delusions or hallucinations) — a serio… Mental health Schizophrenia & psychosis A serious mental illness where a person loses some contact with reality — treated with antipsychotic medicines alongside… Mental health School refusal When a child is persistently unable or unwilling to attend school due to emotional distress — usually a sign of an under… Mental health Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) A form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically coming on in autumn and winter and lifting in spring — t… Mental health Selective mutism An anxiety condition, usually in children, where a person is consistently unable to speak in certain situations (such as… Mental health Self-harm When someone hurts themselves as a way of coping with difficult feelings or distress — a sign that support is needed, wh… Mental health Separation anxiety in children A normal stage where young children become distressed when apart from a parent — usually outgrown, but occasionally more… Mental health Skin picking disorder A condition where a person repeatedly picks at their skin, causing damage and distress and finding it hard to stop — whi… Mental health Social anxiety disorder An intense, persistent fear of social situations and being judged that interferes with daily life — very treatable, espe… Mental health Somatic symptom disorder A condition where a person has distressing physical symptoms together with excessive worry and preoccupation about them … Mental health Specific phobia An intense, out-of-proportion fear of a particular object or situation, which is common and very treatable — often with … Mental health Stress The body’s response to pressure or demands, which is normal in short bursts but harmful when prolonged — manageable with… Mental health Trichotillomania A condition where a person repeatedly pulls out their own hair, causing hair loss — a recognised, treatable condition, n… Mental health Work-related stress The harmful reaction to excessive pressures or demands at work — common and manageable, and important to address before …

Medicine classes

Medicines for the mental health (12)

Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.

ADHD stimulant medicines CNS / Mental health Specialist-prescribed stimulants that improve attention and impulse control in ADHD.… Alcohol-dependence drugs Addiction medicine Medicines that help people stay off alcohol after stopping — alongside psychological support.… Antipsychotics Mental health Drugs for psychosis, bipolar disorder and other conditions — balanced against movement and metabolic side-effe… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Mental health Calming and sleep medicines for short-term use — effective but habit-forming.… Clozapine Mental health The most effective drug for treatment-resistant schizophrenia — used within a strict monitoring scheme.… Lithium Mental health A highly effective mood stabiliser for bipolar disorder — with a narrow safety margin that demands monitoring.… MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) Mental health Effective older antidepressants reserved for resistant cases because of strict food and drug restrictions.… Mirtazapine Mental health An antidepressant that often helps sleep and appetite — useful when those are a problem.… Opioid substitution therapy Addiction medicine Stabilising treatment for opioid dependence — reducing harm, illicit use and overdose deaths.… SNRIs Mental health Antidepressants that also help certain nerve-pain and anxiety conditions.… SSRIs Mental health First-line antidepressants also used for anxiety disorders.… Tricyclic antidepressants Mental health Older antidepressants now used more often at low dose for nerve pain and other conditions.…

By active ingredient

Common mental health medicines by name

Individual, dose-free guides to specific active ingredients (and their brands) in this area:

AcamprosateA medicine that helps people stay off alcohol after they have stopped drinking, used along…AlprazolamA short-acting benzodiazepine sometimes used for anxiety or panic, but not a first-line UK…AmisulprideA second-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia that can calm symptoms at higher …AmitriptylineAn older antidepressant that, at low intensity, is one of the most useful treatments for n…AmoxapineAn older tricyclic-related antidepressant used for depression, now rarely used in the UK.…AripiprazoleAn atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder that tends to be more wei…Aripiprazole lauroxilA long-acting depot injection of the antipsychotic aripiprazole, given every few weeks to …AsenapineA second-generation antipsychotic taken as a tablet that dissolves under the tongue, used …BenperidolAn antipsychotic occasionally used under specialist care to control deviant antisocial sex…BrexpiprazoleA newer antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and as an add-on in depression that has not r…BuspironeAn anti-anxiety medicine that eases generalised anxiety over time, without the dependence …CariprazineA second-generation antipsychotic for schizophrenia with a long-lasting effect in the body…ChlordiazepoxideA benzodiazepine used mainly for the short-term management of alcohol withdrawal.…ChlorpromazineAn older 'first-generation' antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and other conditions…CitalopramA commonly used SSRI antidepressant for depression and anxiety, taken once daily as a long…ClobazamA benzodiazepine used mainly as an add-on treatment to help control epileptic seizures, wh…ClomipramineA tricyclic antidepressant used for depression and particularly for obsessive-compulsive d…ClonazepamA benzodiazepine used to help control certain types of epilepsy; it can cause drowsiness a…ClozapineThe most effective medicine for schizophrenia that has not responded to other treatments —…DesipramineAn older tricyclic antidepressant used mainly to treat depression.…DesvenlafaxineAn SNRI antidepressant, the active form of venlafaxine, used to treat depression.…DexamfetamineA stimulant medicine used for ADHD and for narcolepsy; it is a controlled drug.…DexmethylphenidateA stimulant medicine for ADHD, the active form of methylphenidate, which is a controlled d…DiazepamA long-acting benzodiazepine used short-term for severe anxiety, certain muscle spasms and…DisulfiramA medicine that causes an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is taken, used to support staying…DosulepinAn older tricyclic antidepressant that is effective but particularly dangerous in overdose…DoxepinAn older, sedating tricyclic antidepressant for depression; it takes weeks to work, causes…DroperidolA butyrophenone medicine used mainly to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, especially …DuloxetineAn SNRI used for depression and anxiety, and also widely used for nerve pain such as diabe…EscitalopramA widely used SSRI for depression and anxiety, closely related to citalopram and generally…EstazolamA benzodiazepine sleeping tablet used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.…EszopicloneA 'Z-drug' sleeping tablet used for short-term help with insomnia.…FluoxetineA long-acting SSRI antidepressant for depression and anxiety, and the SSRI most used in yo…FlupentixolAn antipsychotic for schizophrenia that can be taken as tablets or given as a long-acting …FluphenazineAn older antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, often as a long-acting depot injection that…FluvoxamineAn SSRI antidepressant used for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, notable for …HaloperidolA long-established first-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, agitation and ot…IloperidoneA second-generation antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, with the dose built up slow…ImipramineOne of the original tricyclic antidepressants, used for depression and also for night-time…IsocarboxazidAn older MAOI antidepressant reserved for resistant depression, needing a strict low-tyram…LevomepromazineA sedating antipsychotic used in psychosis but, in UK practice, most often in palliative c…LevomilnacipranAn SNRI antidepressant used to treat depression; it is largely a US product and not widely…LisdexamfetamineA long-acting stimulant prodrug of dexamfetamine for ADHD, giving a smoother, longer effec…Lithium carbonateA mood stabiliser used to treat and prevent the mood swings of bipolar disorder, needing r…LofepramineA tricyclic antidepressant for depression that tends to be better tolerated and safer in o…LorazepamA benzodiazepine used for short-term relief of severe anxiety and a number of other situat…LormetazepamA benzodiazepine sleeping tablet for the short-term treatment of insomnia.…LoxapineAn antipsychotic medicine; its inhaled form is used in hospital settings to calm sudden ag…LumateperoneA newer once-daily antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and for bipolar depression.…LurasidoneA second-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, often chosen for its relatively …MaprotilineAn older, sedating antidepressant used for depression, related to the tricyclics.…MethadoneA long-acting opioid taken daily by mouth to treat opioid dependence, and sometimes used f…MethylphenidateA stimulant medicine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in chil…MidazolamA short-acting benzodiazepine used for sedation during procedures, to stop prolonged seizu…MilnacipranAn SNRI used mainly to ease the pain of fibromyalgia, and as an antidepressant in some cou…MoclobemideA newer, reversible MAOI with far less dietary risk than older MAOIs, used for depression …MolindoneAn older first-generation antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, mainly available in t…NalmefeneAn opioid-blocking medicine taken on at-risk days to reduce craving and heavy drinking.…NaltrexoneA medicine that blocks the effects of opioids, used to help prevent relapse in opioid and …NialamideAn old MAOI antidepressant, now withdrawn, known for dangerous food and medicine interacti…NitrazepamA long-acting benzodiazepine sleeping tablet for short-term, severe insomnia; it can cause…NortriptylineA tricyclic antidepressant used for depression and, at lower intensity, for nerve pain and…OlanzapineAn effective atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, well known for…OxazepamA short-acting benzodiazepine used only for the short-term relief of severe anxiety, effec…PaliperidoneA second-generation antipsychotic for schizophrenia, available as daily tablets or as a lo…ParoxetineAn SSRI for depression and anxiety, effective but known for more troublesome discontinuati…PericiazineAn older phenothiazine antipsychotic, also used for severe anxiety or agitation, that is m…PericyazineA first-generation (older) antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and severe agitation.…PerphenazineA first-generation antipsychotic used for conditions such as schizophrenia, and also to tr…PhenelzineAn older, effective antidepressant that needs a special low-tyramine diet to avoid dangero…PimavanserinA medicine used to treat the hallucinations and delusions (psychosis) that can occur in Pa…PimozideAn antipsychotic tablet used for schizophrenia and a specific delusional condition, which …PipotiazineA long-acting antipsychotic given by injection to maintain treatment for schizophrenia.…PromazineAn older antipsychotic used mainly for short-term agitation and restlessness, especially i…ProtriptylineAn older tricyclic antidepressant, more activating than most, used to treat depression.…QuetiapineAn atypical antipsychotic used in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; can cause sedation, …RemimazolamA short-acting benzodiazepine given into a vein to provide sedation during procedures, und…RisperidoneA widely used atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, available as …SerdexmethylphenidateA stimulant medicine used to treat ADHD, given as a prodrug combined with dexmethylphenida…SertralineA commonly first-chosen SSRI antidepressant for depression and anxiety, taken once a day.…SulpirideAn antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia; it can raise prolactin and cause movement ef…TemazepamA benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, helping people who are hav…ThiothixeneA first-generation antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, more commonly seen as a Unit…TranylcypromineAn older MAOI antidepressant, somewhat stimulating, that needs a strict low-tyramine diet …TriazolamA short-acting benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia.…TrifluoperazineA first-generation antipsychotic used in schizophrenia and other psychosis, and at lower a…TrimipramineA sedating tricyclic antidepressant used for depression, particularly where sleep is distu…VenlafaxineAn SNRI antidepressant for depression and anxiety that lifts mood by boosting two brain ch…VilazodoneAn antidepressant used to treat depression, working on the brain chemical serotonin in two…ZaleplonA very short-acting Z-drug sleeping tablet for short-term insomnia.…ZiprasidoneA second-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, taken with …ZolpidemA 'Z-drug' used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, helping people fall asleep when …ZopicloneA Z-drug sleeping tablet used for short-term treatment of insomnia; it can cause next-day …ZuclopenthixolAn older antipsychotic for schizophrenia, available as tablets and as a long-acting depot …

Clinical formulas & tools

Calculators used in this area

Risk scores and formulas that inform assessment and treatment decisions for the mental health:

GAD-7 (Anxiety)Severity of generalised anxiety symptoms.GAD-2 (Anxiety Screen)Two-item anxiety screen.PHQ-9 (Depression)Severity of depressive symptoms.PHQ-2 (Depression Screen)Two-item depression screen.EPDS (Postnatal Depression)Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Answers

Mental health: frequently asked questions

What medicines are used for the mental health?

This system includes 12 medicine classes — such as adhd stimulant medicines, alcohol-dependence drugs, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and z-drugs. Each links to a full, dose-free guide covering what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects and interactions.

Which conditions affect the mental health?

Common conditions in this area include Adjustment disorder, Agoraphobia, Alcohol dependence, Anorexia nervosa, Anxiety disorders and more. Each condition page shows the medicine classes used to treat it and why.

Do these pages give doses?

No. Every page on this site is dose-free. We explain which medicines are used and why, but doses depend on the individual and the exact product — always confirm with your prescriber, the BNF and the product labelling.

Is this a substitute for medical advice?

No — it is education and reference only. It helps you understand this body system and its treatments, but decisions about your own care should always be made with a qualified clinician.

Keep exploring

Other body systems

Heart & circulationConditions and medicines for the heart, blood pressure, cholesterol, clotting and the bloo…Lungs & airwaysConditions and medicines for breathing — asthma, COPD, allergies of the nose and airways, …Brain & nervous systemConditions and medicines for the brain and nerves — epilepsy, migraine, Parkinson’s, demen…Digestive systemConditions and medicines for the gut — acid reflux, ulcers, IBS, constipation, nausea and …Hormones, diabetes & metabolismConditions and medicines for diabetes, the thyroid, steroids and the body’s hormone and me…Bones, joints & musclesConditions and medicines for arthritis, osteoporosis, gout and inflammation of the joints …Skin, hair & nailsConditions and medicines for the skin — acne, eczema, psoriasis, infections and inflammati…EyesConditions and medicines for the eyes — glaucoma, infection, inflammation and dryness.…Women’s healthConditions and medicines for contraception, menopause, periods and women’s reproductive he…Men’s & urinary healthConditions and medicines for the prostate, bladder, erectile dysfunction and the urinary s…BloodMedicines for anaemia, clotting, iron and the blood and bone marrow.…InfectionsAntibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and other medicines that treat and prevent infection.…Allergy & immune systemConditions and medicines for allergies and the immune response — antihistamines, steroids …CancerAn overview of the main groups of medicines used in cancer treatment — reference and educa…Pain & emergency carePain-relief medicines and the emergency treatments and antidotes used in urgent care.…Ear, nose & throatConditions and medicines for the ears, nose, sinuses, throat and balance — from sore throa…

Need a structured clinical reference for your team?

We build evidence-led, dose-free patient-information, formulary and decision-support resources.

Talk to us ☎ +44 7448 439750
☎ Call Get a Proposal