Which of the following drugs are normally used as medicines to help patients cope with mental illnesses like depression and insomnia?
a. Barbiturates
b. Amphetamines
c. Benzodiazepins
d. LSD

Options

A. a, b and c
B. b, c and d
C. a, c and d
D. a,b,c and d

Answer

To determine which drugs are normally used as medicines to help patients cope with mental illnesses like depression and insomnia, let's analyze each option:

1. **Barbiturates (Option A)**:
- Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that are often prescribed for anxiety and insomnia. They help in inducing sleep and can be effective in treating certain mental health issues. Therefore, barbiturates can be considered as a medication for mental illnesses.

2. **Amphetamines (Option B)**:
- Amphetamines are stimulants that are primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While they are not typically used for depression or insomnia, they do play a role in managing certain mental health conditions. However, their primary use is not for depression or insomnia.

3. **Benzodiazepines (Option C)**:
- Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia. They work by slowing down the brain's functions, making them effective for treating anxiety-related disorders and sleep disturbances. Thus, they are relevant in the context of mental illnesses.

4. **LSD (Option D)**:
- LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a hallucinogenic drug that is not typically used as a treatment for mental illnesses. While it has been studied for potential therapeutic effects in certain contexts, it is not a standard medication for depression or insomnia.

Based on this analysis, the drugs that are normally used as medicines to help patients cope with mental illnesses like depression and insomnia are:
- Barbiturates (A)
- Benzodiazepines (C)

Amphetamines (B) can be used for certain mental health conditions but are not primarily for depression or insomnia. LSD (D) is not used for these purposes.

Therefore, the correct answer is **A and C**.