Therapy and medication are not necessarily rivals, and are often used together for the maximum benefit of the client. There are some disorders where medications are almost always used, such as with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder). Those suffering from other disorders, such as those related to depression and anxiety, can benefit from medication, even if it only serves as a temporary fix until the effects of therapy take hold.Those who oppose the increased use of medication for the treatment of mental disorders argue that they provide a quick fix but do not address the underlying issues involved. In other words, medication covers up the symptoms without getting at the disorder. Therapy, on the other hand can be focused on both the symptoms and the underlying issues.In summary, medication is the treatment of choice, although often combined with therapy, for disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Medications typically work faster than therapy but once discontinued, the symptoms will return unless the underlying issues are resolved. Therapy is a slower process and results may not be felt as quickly, but it is a longer term solution for many mental health issues.
