Medication Management: A Collaborative Approach to Treatment
When it comes to mental health treatment, Psychotherapy and Medication Management are the two most effective, evidenced based treatments. Some individuals have a preference for one over the other, perhaps based on past experience or their own perceptions of what will and will not work for them. However, the research is clear; while both of these treatment options can be effective for treating and managing mental health disorders on their own, the best treatment results are achieved when clients receive a combined and collaborative approach to treating their mental health.
What is Medication Management?
Psychiatric medication management is a process of treating mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more, through the use of psychotropic medications. These medications are prescribed by a practitioner who specializes in mental health. Treatment starts with a full psychiatric evaluation, which will explore the patient's current symptoms as well as history. Upon completing this initial evaluation, a diagnosis and treatment plan will be made. This is followed by regular follow up appointments to monitor and manage medication effectiveness and any side effects. After these observations, the practitioner will make changes to dosage and medications if they are needed.
Collaboration in Medication Management
Medication management is most effective when it takes a person-centered approach. A person-centered approach to medication management ensures that patient values, needs and preferences are central in guiding treatment (Deegan & Drake, 2006). “This method involves two experts: one who knows the scientific literature and has clinical experience, and one who knows his or her own preferences and subjective experiences.” (Deegan & Drake, 2006). While the prescriber is the expert on mental health and psychotropic treatments, as the patient you are the expert on your life and your experience. Together, the patient and prescriber can work as “coinvestigators”. You can share anything from fears and skepticisms about medication, past experiences with medication, life circumstances and stressors, and more. This information will allow the prescriber to select a treatment plan you can feel good about.
Oftentimes, patients express fears that medications will be pushed onto them, or they will experience side effects from medications they don’t like. When patients are an active collaborator in their treatment, there is a greater sense of autonomy and empowerment over treatment. This results in greater treatment compliance and improved treatment
effectiveness.
Collaboration with Therapy
Another aspect of collaboration in medication management is collaboration with other treatment providers. As stated previously, medication management and psychotherapy are both proven to be effective forms of treatment for psychiatric disorders. A meta-analysis by Kemenov et al (2016) showed that positive treatment outcomes were significantly greater when both medication management and therapy were a part of treatment, compared to the results of each treatment alone. This study found that both the quality of life and functioning of patients were improved at a higher level, when treatment took this combined approach.
Sometimes both treatment providers may be housed within the same organization, while other times they may operate under separate entities. Regardless of the case, collaboration between providers can improve treatment outcomes. When working as a team, providers can share valuable information, and ensure they are on the same page when making decisions regarding treatment. In order for your providers to collaborate, you, as the patient, will need to provide consent via a release of information. If you are unsure about what information will be discussed and shared between your providers, ask questions! Remember, you are a vital part of the treatment team, and in order for treatment to be effective you have to be on board.
At Mind and Body Therapeutic Connections, we prioritize taking a collaborative approach to treatment, because the evidence is clear: collaboration makes treatment effective. Our providers strive to develop strong therapeutic relationships that honor your wisdom and self determination as the client. We also take a team approach to treatment; housing medication management and psychotherapy under one practice so our providers can easily collaborate and connect in a way that promotes successful treatment outcomes for our clients. If you're ready to take the leap into treatment or are curious to learn more about our collaborative approach to medication management, schedule a free consultation today by calling 919-791-5611 or visiting our website.
