Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
psychotropic
Pronunciation: /ˌsaɪkəˈtrɒpɪk/
Referring to medications that affect the mind, emotions, and behavior, commonly studied in psychiatric research for mental health disorders.
Full Definition
Psychotropic medications are pharmaceutical agents that primarily affect the central nervous system and alter mood, perception, consciousness, or behavior. In psychiatric research, this term encompasses antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, and stimulants. Research protocols often specify washout periods for psychotropic medications and monitor for drug interactions when studying new psychiatric interventions.
Usage
Usage note: Use as an adjective before 'medication' or 'drug'; avoid as a standalone noun in formal research writing.
In Context
- "Participants were required to be free of psychotropic medications for at least two weeks prior to enrollment." — Inclusion criteria
- "Concomitant psychotropic drugs were prohibited except for rescue medications specified in the protocol." — Study restrictions
Also known as
psychoactive
psychiatric medication
neurotropic
Don't confuse with
psychosomatic
psychogenic