General overview:
It’s a myth that psychiatry medications cause more harm than good. People were afraid to take medications in olden times because of the severe side effects. However the last 15 years have revolutionized psychiatry medications and they are safer, more effective, faster acting with fewer side effects. Some of the common medications prescribed are antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, antiepileptic, medications for dementia, mood stabilizers and medications for certain childhood problems.

Antipsychotics: You will hear common names like haloperidol when someone talks of mental health. These were used to control aggression but today newer medications have come which control symptoms and reduce fearfulness with lesser side effects. Injections are also available for non cooperative patients
Antidepressants: the medications today for depression help to increase serotonin and adrenaline in the brain at very specific doses. These are non-addictive, with minimal side effects and improve emotional, social and cognitive functioning. They are given for long term or short term depending on the illness.
Mood stabilizers: These are used for patients with bipolar disorders of various types and also in certain types of resistant depression. They are often used in impulse control and for aggression. Often mood stabilizers are antiepileptic medications so people get confused! However psychiatrists use them for various indications.