Did you know that around two-thirds of Americans have a prescription? Also, that almost half do not take it as prescribed?
Medications are vital in the treatment of many illnesses. Also, the correct drug can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life.
A medication management program assesses the need for medicine in treating mental issues. Afterward, a skilled physician issues a prescription and monitors the patient’s medicine usage.
Medication management comprises monitoring, balancing, and assuring patient outcomes. Medication management is essential for both doctors and patients suffering from mental disorders. Read this guide to learn more about med safety.
Misconceptions About Taking Medication
Mental health medication is often used in the U.S. for various disorders.
Patients frequently exhibit skepticism when first introduced to the prospect of medication.
Those at Talking Circles Therapy and Wellness are well aware that this is a difficult decision to make. However, these treatments have several advantages.
Many people believe that medication is only used in extreme situations.
Another common misconception is that all medicines are addictive. Also, they have the potential to “alter” a person’s character.
Only a small number of drugs carry an addiction risk. Good medication management tackles both of these problems. Finally, medical monitoring for patients gives them a safe experience with medication.
Medication alone isn’t always the answer. Working with your doctor, you can ensure that medicine together with therapy is right for you.
Some things are best serviced by therapy alone. For example, a person has self-esteem issues. Anxiety and depression patients, for example, benefit tremendously from medication. In reality, medicine is often the key to recovery and wellness in severe depression.
Common Medications For Mental Health
Medication first became available for mental illness at the turn of the 20th century. Since then, doctors have moved away from more dangerous treatment methods. These treatments included confinement and restraints.
Today, psychiatric medications can treat a wide range of mental health issues. Let’s look at some different medications administered for mental issues:
Antidepressant Medication
Antidepressants are the most often prescribed mental drugs by a considerable margin. Besides treating depression, these drugs can also treat signs of stress or ADHD.
A psychiatrist may prescribe Anti-anxiety medications to treat severe or chronic anxiety disorder.
Antipsychotic Medication
Antipsychotics are helpful for a variety of purposes other than treating psychosis. Antipsychotics help treat:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia
- Sometimes even obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Many people get alarmed and feel stigmatized by taking antipsychotic medication. However, it’s only in a name, and there is no need to be. Antipsychotic medication is a very effective treatment.
Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are like the caffeine found in coffee. However, in the medication, it’s much more potent. Therefore, they can effectively treat eating disorders as above and ADHD.
What Is Medication Management?
The patient and the doctor work together to discover the correct drug balance. The patient must commit to the program and follow all doctors’ medical instructions. Let’s look at the steps taken in medication management.
Accurate Evaluation
At Talking Circles Therapy & Wellness, they begin with a psychiatric evaluation. Then, by combining info from the person’s own doctor with what they find during the session, they can pinpoint an accurate diagnosis.
This consultation will help diagnose and provide guidance on which medications to prescribe.
Create a Treatment Plan
Clinical and medical personnel consult following a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. They then develop a treatment plan involving medication and therapy.
It’s vital, to be honest with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Observing the Effects of Medication
Through medical monitoring, Talking Circles Therapy and Wellness keep track of progress. They will also keep an eye on how well the patient is doing and how the medication is affecting them.
Monitoring the effects of the medication depends on both:
- The illness affecting the patient
- The medicine prescribed to help treat that illness
For example, antidepressants can take weeks to work, whereas anxiety drugs can start working within a few hours.
Therapy Sessions
It is always recommended that anyone who begins medication as an aspect of their mental health care participate in therapy.
Medication is not enough. A comprehensive treatment plan includes individual and group counseling.
How Long Will Medication Last?
Many patients will wonder how long they will have to take medication. The short answer is that it:
- It depends on the condition
- How many incidents they have had in their history
- What stressful situations they are likely to encounter during their lifetimes
Patients should be aware that their requirements for medication may alter over time. Therefore, they should plan accordingly. Individuals may need less or even no medication in the future as their therapy advances. This of course depends on their condition.
Long-term drug management assists in navigating these complexities.
Explaining the Routine for Taking Medications
When a patient completes a medication management program, they are made aware of the importance of taking medications. These medications have to be taken consistently whilst engaging in therapy and self-care.
Unfortunately, some people will forget to take their medicine or stop taking it. They think that as long as they finish a program, they don’t think it’s important or even necessary anymore.
It is critical to continue taking medicine if prescribed as part of your treatment. It is highly significant and can even impact other elements of a person’s life if they do not follow a schedule.
Medication Management Will Help You
Find long-term wellness by implementing effective medical monitoring treatment plans. These may include medicines together with therapy and other lifestyle changes.
At Talking Circles Therapy and Wellness, you can expect complete privacy, self-respect, and support. This is from your first appointment to the end of your medication management treatment. Let this practice assist you on your healing journey!
