Strategies to Promote Medication Adherence in Mentally Ill Patients

Complex mental health

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Main context...............................................................................................................................2
Strategies to promote the administration of regular medication................................................2
Case study..................................................................................................................................3
Mental Health Act 1959.............................................................................................................4
The right of the patient to refuse treatment................................................................................4
Exceptions..................................................................................................................................5
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................6
References..................................................................................................................................7
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Introduction
Pharmacological treatment is necessary for alleviating psychotic symptoms. Antipsychotic
medications are effective in persons having schizophrenia. Non-adherence to medicines can
happen for numerous reasons like forgetfulness, economic constraints and lack of acceptance
for medication. Adherence to medication is a complex phenomenon involving environmental,
medication-related factors and patients related factors. Patient-related factors include newly
started treatment, young age of the patient, alcohol addiction, low social involvements and
economic constraints (Engdahl, 2010). Poor medication adherence is also exhibited by
minority ethnic groups. Non-adherence can also be caused by a lack of family support.
Adherence is influenced by medication and perception regarding illness. Medication
adherence is more among patients who are aware of their illness and wants to avoid
hospitalization. Favourable results and no intolerable side effects are the main cause of
medication adherence. The cardio-metabolic problem has prompted health staffs to focus on
treatment and medication adherence of the population. Partial lack of adherence or complete
lack of adherence has caused several negative results. The bio-psychosocial model is used by
Psychiatric nurses. This model includes client education and spiritual support to the client. To
improve treatment follow up decision-making strategies should be adopted regarding
medication and behavioural therapies.
Main context
Strategies to promote the administration of regular medication
The specific problems relating to adherence can be solved by various available support
services. Counselling is provided by therapeutic support service. The negative perceptions
and inaccurate beliefs regarding medication can be removed by cognitive-behavioural
therapy. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is often used in motivational interviewing.
Motivational interviewing enhances the confidence required to adhere to the medication
routine. Compliance theory includes cognitive-behavioural therapy, psycho-education and
motivational interviewing. Non-adherence to medication is associated with a high risk of
rehospitalisation (Delafon et al., 2013). Schizophrenic patient requires antipsychotic
medication and therapies to maintain symptoms under control. Psychiatric nurses can take
steps to improve medication adherence and positive results using decision-making techniques
that enable patients to participate in the decision making process regarding their treatment.
For reducing relapse risk continuous treatment with antipsychotic medication is required for
the schizophrenic patient. The etiology of schizophrenia may include environmental, genetic
and neural components. Antipsychotic medication affects neurotransmitter receptors. In the
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