Medication
How prescribed medicines are used in treatment, and what to expect from them.
ADHD Medication
Prescription medicines that can substantially help concentration and impulse control in ADHD. This guide explains the main types and how they help in general. It does not give doses, which are always set and monitored by a prescriber.
Anti-Anxiety Medication
Prescription medicines used to relieve anxiety. This guide explains the main types, how they help, and an important caution about the dependence risk of one group. It does not give doses, which are always set by a prescriber.
Antidepressant Medication
A group of prescription medicines used mainly for depression and anxiety conditions. This guide explains the main classes and how they help in general terms. It does not give doses; what to take and how much is always decided with a prescriber.
Antipsychotic Medication
Prescription medicines used mainly for psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and sometimes for other conditions. This guide explains the main classes and how they help in general. It does not give doses, which are always set by a prescriber.
Mood Stabiliser Medication
Prescription medicines used mainly to treat and prevent the mood episodes of bipolar disorder. This guide explains the main types and how they help in general. It does not give doses, which are always set and monitored by a prescriber.
Talking therapies
Structured conversations with a trained professional that help you understand and cope.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A practical, well-tested talking therapy that helps you change the patterns of thinking and behaviour that keep distress going. One of the most studied treatments in mental health, and useful for many different conditions.
Counselling and Supportive Therapy
A talking relationship with a trained listener who offers a safe, non-judgemental space to explore feelings and difficulties. Often the most accessible first step, and valuable in its own right.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
A structured therapy that teaches practical skills for managing overwhelming emotions, tolerating distress, and steadying relationships. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, now used more widely.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
A structured therapy for trauma in which a person briefly recalls distressing memories while making guided side-to-side eye movements or other rhythmic stimulation. Well-evidenced for PTSD, and always done with a trained therapist.
Family and Systemic Therapy
Therapy that works with families or couples together, rather than one person alone, on the basis that difficulties live in relationships and patterns, not only in individuals. Especially valuable for young people.
Group Therapy
Therapy delivered with several people together, led by a trained therapist. Beyond being practical and affordable, the group itself becomes part of the healing, through shared understanding and connection.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
A structured, time-limited therapy that focuses on relationships and life changes, on the basis that difficulties in these areas and our mental health are closely linked. Well-evidenced for depression.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Structured programmes that train the skill of paying attention to the present moment with acceptance, shown to help prevent depression returning and to ease anxiety and stress. Taught by trained practitioners.
Psychodynamic Therapy
A talking therapy that explores how past experiences and relationships, and patterns we may not be fully aware of, shape present difficulties. Less structured than CBT, and focused on deeper understanding over time.