While medication is not right for everyone, many patients do find success with prescription medication. For some of these individuals, medication is necessary only in the short term. Other patients may need long-term medication to treat chronic mental health issues.
Whether taking medication for acute or chronic issues, every patient needs to engage in medication management to ensure the safety and efficacy of their prescription medication. Effective medication management is a crucial part of mental health care.
Medication management for mental health is very different than medication management for physical ailments. A patient who needs an antibiotic for an infection, for example, only needs to follow up if symptoms persist. For psychiatric patients, however, consulting with their doctor about their medications is an ongoing process.
Doctors typically prescribe medications in recommended dosages that have worked for the majority of patients. The patient begins treatment, then returns to discuss the results with the doctor. The psychiatrist may then make adjustments to the dosage or even switch medications, if necessary.
Bodies adjust to medications over time and disorders can evolve, as well. Because of this, medication management should continue in the long term. Psychiatrists pay special attention to medications that have a high risk of leading to addiction.
