Classifying psychotropic drugs by mode of action and not by target disorder
Stephen M. Stahl · CNS Spectrums · 2013
ISSUE:Psychotropic drugs are traditionally classified by the first disorder they are proven to target (eg, as antidepressants or antipsychotics). However, these names are becoming increasingly confusing, as many drugs have multiple therapeutic actions. A more rational nomenclature categorizes psychotropic drugs by their pharmacologic mode of action.