Psychological considerations in the use of psychotropic drugs with women patients

The use of psychotropic drugs with women patients raises special considerations. In some settings women are medicated too readily, and in others they have inadequate access to comprehensive care that includes medication. However, judicious use of medications to relieve disabling symptoms frequently promotes productive psychotherapy. Either prescribing drugs or withholding medication may involve special transference and countertransference issues for the woman patient. Women also have special concerns and conflicts about the effects of psychotropic drugs on pregnancy and lactation and about side effects involving sexual functioning and change of appearance.