Psychopharmacology and clinical practice

Options for pharmacotherapy are varied and at times idiosyncratic. Although clear treatment strategies exist for some patients, others are left with only partial relief and substantial side effects. Newer agents have been accompanied by a great deal of interest and hope but fail to be the panacea or "cure." As sensitive caregivers with an eclectic framework, grounded in a variety of different theoretical approaches, we can be hopeful about the advantages and promise of what medications hold, yet help balance reality and potential pitfalls.