Which of the following is true concerning the use of medicine to treat a mental disorder?

• A. Medication is never used as a first-line treatment for any mental disorder.
• B. Medication alone always cures all mental disorders permanently.
• C. Medication can help manage symptoms but is often most effective when combined with psychotherapy.
• D. All medications for mental disorders have no side effects.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of medication in treating mental disorders. Medication is often used to manage symptoms but is rarely considered a standalone cure.
2. Step 2: Recognize that medication is sometimes used as a first-line treatment, depending on the disorder and severity, so the statement that it is never used first is incorrect.
3. Step 3: Acknowledge that medications can have side effects, so the claim that all medications have no side effects is false.
4. Step 4: Learn that combining medication with psychotherapy often leads to better outcomes because medication can reduce symptoms while therapy addresses underlying issues and coping strategies.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most accurate statement is that medication helps manage symptoms and is often most effective when combined with psychotherapy.