Perceptions and Experiences of Antipsychotic Use and Discontinuation Among Young Adults Who Completed a First-Episode Psychosis Program

Antipsychotic medications (APMs) are one of the frontline treatments in First Episode Psychosis (FEP) programs. However, in recent years, debates have emerged regarding the risk-benefit ratio of APMs, leading to more open and frequent discussions about discontinuation. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of APM use and decision-making among young adults with FEP participating in NAVIGATE, an FEP program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 individuals with FEP who graduated from NAVIGATE to understand their perceptions and experiences of APMs—treatment they received as part of the program. Thematic analysis identified three themes: (a) Pre-NAVIGATE experience of APMs—participants reported that APMs led to weight gain, negative impact on their body image, emotional emptiness, and altered sense of self; (b) Facilitators to reduction in APMs dose during NAVIGATE—the majority of participants acknowledged the program’s professional staff approach as the main facilitator to mutually make decisions about APMs reduction; (c) Barriers to reduction of APMs dose during NAVIGATE was most often attributed to family members’ reluctance. Considering the challenges in APM reduction, it is essential to engage early intervention services caregivers and significant others in the process.