New Psychopharmacological Approaches in Mental Health as Applied by the Israel Defense Forces
Moshe Zvi Abramowitz, M. Shmushkevich, Avraham Weizman, Mordechai Mark
Mental Health Department, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Jerusalem Mental Health Center; and Geha Psychiatric Hospital
In the past decade there have been far-reaching developments in psychopharmacology. Previously, only a few classes of medication were at the disposal of psychiatrists, as many had serious side effects that limited their use. Now our psychopharmacological armamentarium has grown considerably, allowing for greater choice of treatment in the military.
We review these developments, and discuss the special considerations to be taken into account when treating soldiers with psychiatric medication. We discuss suitable medication for ongoing outpatient treatment, as well as the standard list of medication currently used by units deployed in the field.
Advances in psychopharmacologic treatment should enable more soldiers to serve safely in the military with fewer restrictions on their duties.