Abstract
Despite the well-documented effectiveness of psychiatric medication, studies reveal that it is used by only approximately half of those for whom it is prescribed. Whereas large-scale studies have focused primarily on the consequences of not taking medication as prescribed, a number of recent qualitative studies have tried to understand the phenomenon from the perspective of consumers. Findings have revealed that nonadherence may not always reflect psychopathology or a lack of insight, but rather a personal choice directed toward engaging in activities that provide meaning and purpose. In this article, we review the literature on medication use, emphasizing the importance of the practitioner-consumer relationship. We also present a recovery-oriented perspective to understand consumers' choices regarding medication use and discuss practical guidelines for psychiatric nurses.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 35-40 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2007 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Nursing
- Psychiatric Mental Health