Stefan Weinmann demonstrates that the central importance of psychopharmacotherapy in severe mental illnesses is not justified. While pharmaceutical manufacturers suggest a different picture, current studies raise doubts. Is the benefit of antidepressants beyond the placebo effect actually less than previously thought? Do antipsychotics cause more harm than good in some cases? It is high time for a reassessment, argues Stefan Weinmann, and he thoroughly substantiates this with the two most important groups of psychotropic drugs: antidepressants and antipsychotics.