Religious norms of the Great Lent, aimed at spiritual purification and discipline, do not imply forgoing medically justified treatment, even if it involves the use of psychotropic drugs.

Faith and Healing: Psychotropic Use in the Great Lent

Religious norms of the Great Lent, aimed at spiritual purification and discipline, do not imply forgoing medically justified treatment, even if it involves the use of psychotropic drugs. The provided sources emphasize that the use of such medications is a medical measure for normalizing sleep, stabilizing mood, and eliminating anxiety symptoms, and the notion that a believer should not use these medicines is mistaken.

On one hand, the argument in favor of using psychotropic drugs is that they are prescribed to eliminate specific neuropsychiatric disorders, especially when symptoms may be triggered by stressful life circumstances. Professionally tailored treatment helps improve wellbeing and promotes recovery without harming health. As stated in one of the sources:
"Psychotropic medications may be used for the treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders only after consultation with a doctor. The opinion that a believer should not use these medicines is mistaken. The purpose of using these medications is to normalize disrupted sleep; stabilize mood; modulate excitation and inhibition processes in the cerebral cortex; and eliminate symptoms of anxiety, etc. Such distressing symptoms may be observed in a person due to various circumstances, either in isolation or in combination with somatic manifestations. Professionally selected treatment will not harm health; on the contrary, it will improve wellbeing. In cases of neurotic states, where the symptoms of the affliction directly depend on psychological causes and life circumstances, the medications play an auxiliary role by reducing internal tension and dulling the severity of the complaints. They are usually prescribed for a short period." (source: link txt)

On the other hand, an important aspect remains the spiritual component of recovery. Even when psychotropic substances are used, the primary condition for achieving health is the search for an optimal resolution of internal conflicts, combined with a readiness for humility and repentance. This approach emphasizes that medicinal treatment should be complemented by spiritual self-work, which allows for the reconciliation of medical needs with the religious principles of the Great Lent. This is illustrated in the following excerpt:
"The opinion that a believer should not use these medicines is mistaken. The purpose of using these medications is to normalize disrupted sleep; stabilize mood; modulate excitation and inhibition processes in the cerebral cortex; and eliminate symptoms of anxiety, etc. The distressing symptoms described may appear in a person due to various circumstances, either in isolation or in combination with somatic manifestations. Professionally selected treatment will not harm health; on the contrary, it will improve wellbeing. In cases of neurotic states, where the symptoms of the affliction directly depend on psychological causes and life circumstances, the medications play an auxiliary role by reducing internal tension and dulling the severity of the complaints. They are usually prescribed for a short period. The key condition for recovery will be finding an optimal solution to the conflict, and in spiritual terms – embracing humility and repentance." (source: link txt)

Thus, the argument in favor of using psychotropic medications during the Great Lent is rooted in the necessity of caring for one's physical and mental health—a need that does not contradict religious norms, provided that the medication is administered under medical supervision and is complemented by inner spiritual work. While some might argue for an absolute refusal of any external treatment means, the cited sources clearly demonstrate that such an approach is unfounded when considering the medical necessity and a holistic understanding of recovery.