What Does Psychotropic Mean?
The term psychotropic is an adjective which is used to mean that which has an altering effect on behaviour, perception or emotion. It is typically used of a drug. When used as a noun it refers to a psychotropic drug or any other such agent. In other words it means affecting the mood, mind, or other mental processes. It is used as a synonym for the term psychoactive. It could be simply described as ‘acting on the mind.’ Psychotropic substances are chemical substances acting largely upon the central nervous system, altering brain function, which result in temporary changes in mood, perception, consciousness and behaviour. They thus have the ability to influence human consciousness. A large number of such substances are potentially habit-forming, causing chemical dependency which may result in substance abuse. Yet on the other hand, others (that is, the psychedelics) may be used to help treat and cure theses addictions.
