The effects of psychotropic drugs in different populations

Although psychotropic drugs are known to be effective in all populations, the known differences in terms of health and disease in different parts of the world have not been related to the effectiveness of such drugs. Nutritional/metabolic, genetic, cultural, and ecological/climatic factors that could be important in this respect are discussed. The benefits that could accrue from a knowledge of proper drug dosage, namely, fewer side effects and reduction in cost, particularly for developing countries, are highlighted.