Medication and the Recovery Approach

Picture retrieved on 5 September, 2010 from http://notmytribe.com/2008/can-i-bum-a-neurotransmitter-82666.html#more-2666

Often, in an acute mental health ward, clients are expected to take medication in order to control their symptoms of mental illness (Duxbury, Wright, Bradley & Barnes, 2010). While on the ward they may also be trialling new medications to see if they help. Medications often cause severe side effects, including nausea, headaches, dry mouth and dizziness.

Some clients choose not to take medications as they find the adverse side effects of the drugs affect them too much. Other patients decide that the benefits of the medications far outweigh the side effects and choose to take them.

Unlike the acute ward, the Recovery Approach accepts that everyone’s journey to recovery is different, and does not take a specific stance about medication (Cowan, 2008).

This illustrates the differing perspectives of the Recovery Approach and that of an acute ward. Personally, I believe that this expectation of an acute ward contributes to the lack of choice and individuality experienced by clients.

But how does medication relate to the role of an occupational therapist? OT's do not have any control over the medications clients are expected to take, as they are not at all trained in this area.

An OT is able to bring the issue of medication into the open through discussions on the ward, both in groups and individually, and also in community meetings on the ward. I am aware that many inpatient wards hold these meetings each morning of the week (excluding weekends), and they are an opportunity for patients to find out about the schedule for the day and deal with any issues they may have come across on the ward. These meetings are meant for both patients and staff, therefore it may be a good opportunity for the issue of medication to be discussed as nurses and doctors may also be there to share their knowledge.

When clients are taking medications, and especially when they are trialling new medications, it might be difficult for an OT to work with them effectively. The side effects of the medication can cause clients to be very drowsy and unmotivated. This makes it very complicated for an OT to help them focus on their recovery process.

What are your views on medication and mental illness?

Personally, I feel it is the clients own choice. Medications will benefit some but not others, and clients should be allowed to make an educated choice, with the help of family, friends and health professionals, about their medications. After all, it is their life!