ABSTRACT
Just as with mental illness itself, there are many beliefs that have evolved about the nature and use of psychotropic medications. Some of these myths are by their very nature untrue, while others may hold some partial validity. Many of these beliefs are so common, however, that at times they form an unchallenged conception of the action and effect of psychotropic medicines. Both well-educated patients and practitioners alike may share portions of these misconceptions. These beliefs are so pervasive and can so strongly affect a practitioner’s prescription of psychotropics that it is necessary to devote an early chapter to understanding the facts. Some of the myths apply to all medications, while some relate to specific groups of medications only.
