What defines "psychotropic" medications?

Psychotropic medications are specifically defined as drugs that influence mental processes, including mood, perception, cognition, and behavior. This definition encompasses a broad range of medication classes, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and mood stabilizers, all of which are used to treat various mental health conditions. By affecting neurotransmitter systems in the brain, these medications can help manage symptoms of mental disorders, assisting individuals in stabilizing their emotions and improving their overall functioning. This emphasis on their role in mental health treatment is what sets them apart from medications aimed solely at physical health issues or those designed to enhance cognitive function without targeting mood and behavior adjustments.