Medication management is a comprehensive treatment approach that supports people in getting the most out of whatever medications they are on. It can be applied in a wide variety of settings. For example, medication management can be implemented in elderly folks with a wide range of medical issues just as readily as with someone who is taking medication as part of recovery from addiction. Another major realm where medication management is used is the mental health treatment space. Medication management in mental health is a means of ensuring people are not only on the right medications but also taking the right doses and receiving the maximum benefit possible.
Learn more about medication management at Insight Into Action Therapy by contacting us at 703.935.8544 today.
What Is Medication Management in Mental Health?
Medication management in mental health is a long-term approach to treating mental health that prioritizes a healthy relationship between a patient and whatever psychiatric medications they are taking. For starters, a great deal of stigma surrounds medication for mental health. Many reasons exist why medication may not be the solution to a mental health issue. But stigma should never be one. A few things to know include:
- Psychiatric medication is not meant to be a cure for mental illness
- People who take psychiatric medication are not weak for doing so
- Mental health problems are treatable; they are also normal and can affect anyone
- Psychiatric medications may work differently for each person
- Therapy is an essential treatment for mental health disorders
Medication management in mental health is the process of constantly evaluating medications over time. This could look like adjusting doses, adjusting medicines, stopping a prescription when it is clear the benefits are no longer there, and more. Ultimately, the goal of medication management is to ensure that psychiatric medication is minimizing symptoms without causing side effects.
Treating mental health should not be considered medication management or therapy. Instead, medication management is another layer that complements the work done in therapy. The best results often stem from combining medication management with therapy as they each target distinct aspects of a disorder.
The Importance of Medication Management in Mental Health
The importance of medication management in mental health stems from its impact, first and foremost. Implementing this approach is proven to lead to better treatment outcomes for people suffering from mental health disorders. Just like with any other issue, outcomes are best when the right medications in the right doses are used.
Another factor that outlines the importance of medication management in mental health is its collaborative nature. This approach requires a deep partnership between a patient and their care team, which includes at least a psychiatrist and a therapist. This can help people feel less alone as they receive treatment for their mental health since it is more hands-on and iterative than other forms of treatment tend to be.
Not everyone reacts to psychiatric medications in the same way. Some people experience side effects from medication, while others experience no side effects at all. Another way this could play out is when someone experiences immediate relief from taking a psychiatric medication. At the same time, another person has to take it for weeks until they begin to notice any symptom reduction. This all reinforces the importance of medication management in mental health. By default, it assumes that each person will have a unique experience taking psychiatric medication. Thus, each person deserves a customized approach that constantly evaluates the benefits and drawbacks of each medication being used.
Discover Medication Management at Insight Into Action Therapy
Medication management is an excellent approach to mental health treatment that prioritizes a collaborative approach with a focus on outcomes. Learn more about how you could benefit from medication management for mental health by calling 703.935.8544.
