Virtually all variations of psychiatric disorders are best treated with a combination of prescription medications and psychotherapy sessions. Together, they give individuals the best opportunity to reach their highest possible level of functioning. Medications will work differently and present different side effects for each person. Choosing the right medication is a priority for mental health treatment providers such as psychiatrists, therapists, treatment centers and other clinicians.
Prescribing medication in a way that supports the client and their family’s goals for recovery should be a top priority. Finding the most appropriate medication could take time and is discovered through observation by clinicians. Advances in genetic testing are leading to the elimination of the guesswork associated with prescribing the best medications to a person. Also, clinicians hold educational sessions with clients to discuss current medications, the potential side effects, and ways to ensure the proper administration.
Discharging from a residential mental health treatment center does not mean that you will stop taking medications for your disorder. Psychiatric disorders are often permanent and medications are used to help control and reduce the symptoms experienced. For individuals that take more than one medication, learning to properly track and take your medications without supervision is a critical step for maintaining your recovery and preventing relapse. Below are some important medication management tips.
- Set a daily alarm to remind yourself when it is time to take your medication(s).
- Use pill boxes to organize your medications so that you know which to take and when to take them.
- Create a medication schedule that will allow you to forecast when your prescription will run out. It is important to have a steady supply of medication and not going without in between prescriptions.
- Keep a journal about how your medications make you feel and whether you find them beneficial.
- Do not take drugs or alcohol while on a medication plan because they can diminish the medication’s effectiveness or worsen your symptoms.
Individuals who discontinue their medication plan after treatment often offer the following reasons for doing so.
- The medication produces undesirable side effects.
- They can no longer afford them or have lost their insurance coverage.
- They do not find the medication to be beneficial think that the medication benefits them.
- They are unable to stick to a stringent medication plan, often because of their disorganization.
- They have false notions that the medication causes the symptoms rather than reduces them.
- Friends and family members have discouraged them from taking their medications.
- They still live in denial that they struggle with a psychiatric disorder.
- They associate prescription medications with the stigma that gets put on individuals with psychiatric disorders.
The desirable effects of medications could take several weeks before noticing changes in mood and behavior. Following the advice of a psychiatrist or other treatment professionals regarding medication is important. It may be recommended that, depending on the symptoms, that individuals with mood and anxiety disorders slowly taper off medications after a prolonged period.
Pasadena Villa is one of the leading mental health treatment facilities in the United States and is recognized for its trademarked Social Integration Model. In addition to improving cognitive and social skills, our clients also learn more about their current medications and proper management when they return to everyday life. To learn more about enrolling at Pasadena Villa, please call our admissions office at 407-215-2519 or fill out our contact form.
