What are "psychotropic drugs"?

Psychotropic drugs are medications that have a direct impact on mental processes, including mood, perception, and behavior. This classification includes a variety of substances, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and stimulants. These drugs are commonly used to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, as they alter brain function and influence how an individual feels and behaves.

The other options describe categories of medication that do not encompass the full scope of psychotropic drugs. For instance, medications used solely for pain relief are generally classified as analgesics and do not have a primary effect on psychological functioning. Drugs specifically prescribed for children may fall into many categories, including psychotropics, but this description is too narrow and does not specifically identify the nature of psychotropic medications. Lastly, over-the-counter drugs for anxiety may provide some relief but do not include the broader range of psychotropic medications, many of which are only available via prescription and can have significant implications on mood and behavior. Therefore, the best definition of psychotropic drugs accurately reflects their effects on mood, perception, and behavior.