Psychiatric Medication Management

When you first see your psychiatric practitioner, he or she will perform an initial checkup called an assessment, which will include an overview of your symptoms and collection of your medical history. A determination will then be made about whether or not medication is a viable option for treating your particular mental health disorder.

Based on this assessment, the doctor will then make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan designed with your specific needs in mind. The decision is ultimately up to the patient. If it is decided to move forward with this option, various medications, possible side effects, and proper dosages will be discussed.

Initially, the medication will be prescribed for a trial period to observe and monitor its effectiveness. This is where the “medication management” portion of psychiatric care comes into play. If the treatment is meeting the patient’s goals, the patient will be advised to keep moving forward.

In addition to medication, other forms of treatment such as counseling, life management skills, and behavioral therapies may be offered in conjunction. The psychiatrist will carefully monitor all of these components to ensure the best blend for the patient’s mental health.

It’s important to note that not all patients and not all psychiatric problems require medicine. However, there are many instances where prescription medicines are the best way to relieve symptoms for the patient. Medication can be an effective part of the treatment of many mental illnesses.