Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
adjuvant therapy
Additional medication used alongside primary psychiatric treatment to enhance effectiveness.
Full Definition
Additional medication used alongside primary psychiatric treatment to enhance effectiveness or manage side effects. In psychopharmacology, adjuvant therapy differs from augmentation therapy in that it typically involves medications from different therapeutic classes, such as adding lithium to an antidepressant or using anticonvulsants with mood stabilizers. Editors should note that adjuvant therapy is broader than augmentation and may include non-psychiatric medications used to address treatment-related complications.
Usage
Usage note: Not synonymous with 'augmentation therapy' - adjuvant is broader and includes non-psychiatric medications.
In Context
- "Adjuvant therapy with thyroid hormone improved the patient's response to antidepressants." — Treatment protocol
- "The clinician considered adjuvant therapy to address persistent anxiety symptoms." — Medical progress note
Also known as
adjunctive therapy
add-on therapy
Contrasted with
monotherapy
standalone therapy
Don't confuse with
augmentation therapy
combination therapy