Psychopharmacology Specialist

What is psychopharmacology?

Psychopharmacology is the use of medication to treat mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia. Psychopharmacology experts like Dr. Gentile spend years studying medications for mental health issues, including:

• How well the body absorbs medicine
• How long medicine stays in the body
• How different medications affect one another
• How a patient’s genes affect the way the drug works

Psychopharmacology is a critical part of Dr. Gentile’s practice. In addition to traditional psychopharmacology medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicine, he also considers the use of medical marijuana, ketamine infusions, and psychedelic medicine. 

How does psychopharmacology help mental health issues?

Many mental health issues are brain disorders. Your brain has too much or too little of the neurotransmitters that regulate your mood and behavior. As a result, you develop disruptive symptoms such as persistently low moods, intrusive and irrational worries, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and more. 

Dr. Gentile applies his psychopharmacology knowledge to prescribe medication to alleviate or eliminate your symptoms. As your symptoms subside, you benefit from mental clarity and focus that you can use in therapy to explore and resolve underlying issues that contribute to your condition or learn strategies to cope with anxiety or negative, self-destructive thoughts. 

What should I expect from psychopharmacology?

When you meet with Dr. Gentile for your initial evaluation, you have a detailed conversation about your symptoms, concerns, overall health, and lifestyle. Dr. Gentile looks for signs of the diagnostic criteria for different mental health conditions before providing a diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment plans for psychiatric health issues usually combine psychopharmacology, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. 

When you have your prescription filled, make sure to take it as Dr. Gentile prescribes. On average, it takes around six weeks for a conventional antidepressant to start to take effect. If Dr. Gentile prescribes ketamine infusions or a psychedelic medicine, you take your medicine in the office in a carefully supervised environment. 

You need to be patient with psychopharmacology. Even with his extensive knowledge, Dr. Gentile may need to adjust your dose or change your medication to optimize the effects of your medication. 

Call Wyckoff Wellness Center or make an appointment online today for expert psychopharmacology services.