Mental health struggles impact many lives and the lives of those around the individual who is suffering. It can be devastating, life-altering and make it extremely difficult to sustain a functioning and healthy life. Depending on the mental illness at hand, there are several options for managing your symptoms or even resolving them completely; methods such as talk therapy or lifestyle changes. While those options can and will work for the management of mental illness symptoms in some cases, there are also several instances where those remedies aren’t sufficient in treating the illness. Psychiatric medication management is the treatment path for many mental illnesses that seem unmanageable by the other tools and coping mechanisms mentioned before. There are mental illnesses and other conditions that simply cannot be managed or remedied with talk therapy or natural treatments. In those circumstances, psychiatric medication management becomes a vital option to those who are suffering. If you are considering psychiatric medication management or curious if it may be the best path for you, keep reading to learn more.

Psychiatric Medication Management

Psychiatric medication management is the use of medication to treat and manage psychiatric conditions and various mental illnesses. Medication treatment can be both a long-term or a short-term treatment method. Some people, who are being treated for more of a lifelong illness, may be managed with medication for the duration of their lives continuously. Others, perhaps those being treated for a more situational issue or traumatic event, can be treated with psychiatric medication for a period of time until the symptoms have resolved and then taken off of the medication. Psychiatric medication management needs to be prescribed and managed by a psychiatric specialist or other mental health professional. A psychiatrist will be able to assess your symptoms, diagnose your condition, prescribe your medication and then proceed managing the course of treatment best for your situation.

What is psychiatric medication management used for?

There are many conditions that can be treated by medication management; both mental illnesses and other mental health or life challenges.

Some of the most common illnesses that are managed with psychiatric medication include:

• Anxiety disorder

• Depression

• Bipolar Disorder

• Personality Disorders

• Addiction and substance abuse

• Substance use disorders

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• ADD/ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder & Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder

• Mood disorders

• Eating disorders

• Seasonal Affective Disorders

• Emotional issues co-occurring with mental conditions

• Life transitions

• Sleep disorders and challenges

If you have been diagnosed with or have been suffering with symptoms of the above-mentioned illnesses and disorders, it is best to seek the help and guidance of a mental health professional to see what the best treatment plan is for you. If you are already under the care of a therapist, counselor or general health practitioner, they can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner that will be better able to treat your condition with medication management as well as other modalities of therapy.

If you have not been diagnosed with a mental health condition but think that you may be suffering with symptoms of one, there are many resources available to help you get the support and evaluation you need. There are many cases in which a person is suffering from a mental illness or other mental health issue but have yet to be diagnosed or treated. Often it can be that they have lived with these symptoms for many years and haven’t recognized that it is a result of a deeper issue, or it could also be that they just haven’t sought help out of fear, discomfort or other inhibitions.

There are some “red flags” or symptoms of note that should elicit further evaluation or the support of a mental health professional. These symptoms may be an indication of a deeper issue that could be managed or resolved with the proper care and treatment, including medication management.

Some of those symptoms include:

• Change in feelings or demeanor

• General feelings of sadness or anger

• Changes in sleeping habits

• Loss of interest in all areas of life

• Social anxiety or withdrawal and isolation

• Low energy/lack of motivation

• Paranoia

• Racing or intrusive thoughts

• Panic attacks

• Mood swings

• Reduced ability to focus

• Extreme worries or fears

• Change in appetite

• Irritability or increased emotions 

While there are many more symptoms that occur with mental illnesses, these are several that are seen as some of the most common. Each of these symptoms can and will occur in life outside of a mental health condition and aren’t always cause for a big concern. However, if you have been suffering with these symptoms and perhaps others that are concerning you, it is wise to seek the support of a professional to help you get the proper care and treatment.

Medication Treatment Options

In the world of psychiatric medications, the options are almost endless. There are several types of medications that treat each mental health issue or illness, and several options within each type. Venturing into the world of psychiatric medications in your own research or without the help and guidance of a professional can be overwhelming, daunting and nearly impossible. It’s important to receive help from a mental health professional when walking the path of psychiatric medication management, as there is a myriad of side effects and other important things to know while being treated. If you are in the process of seeking psychiatric help, it’s good to know the different types of psychiatric medications that are available to you.

Common medications to treat mental health conditions include:

• Anti-depressants

• Anti-anxiety medications

• Mood stabilizers

• Stimulant medications

• Anti-psychotic medications

• Benzodiazepines  

• Sleep aid medications

• Addiction recovery medication

While it is beneficial to know more about the medication options available to you leading into the process of seeking help, but not necessary. Your doctor will be able to educate you on the options of treatment for your specific set of needs and then collaborate with you on what plan sounds the most beneficial. They will weigh out the benefits of each medication, what the implications are and also inform you on the possible side effects of each medication.

Side Effects

Psychiatric medications are incredibly beneficial and provide people with profound relief, but they all typically come with their own set of side effects. Some side effects are more common, some uncommon and some are dangerous and should be given immediate attention to. It’s not typical for any medication to come without any side effects, however. The side effects typically begin when you start taking the medication and will normally subside after a few weeks of being on the medication. If your symptoms don’t subside, or they are impacting your life in a negative way, you may want to reassess your treatment options with your psychiatric medication management provider. Every person tolerates medication differently and it is always an option to try another medication to see how you respond to it.

Common side effects of psychiatric medication management include: 

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Restlessness

• Anxiety

• Sadness

• Dry mouth

• Weight loss

• Weight gain

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Vomiting

These symptoms fall within the range of “normal” and typically are not a cause for concern, although there are several side effects that are more serious and should be addressed quickly; such as panic attacks, depression and suicidal thoughts. If your existing symptoms worsen significantly, or you experience dangerous side effects, stop taking your medication or call your doctor immediately.

The process of psychiatric medication management

1. Initiate treatment

If you are struggling with a mental health condition, the first step in your path to wellness and stability is to seek help and support. That path begins differently for each person and it is completely up to you how you approach it. You can begin therapy with a licensed mental health therapist, talk to your primary care practitioner or seek the help of a psychiatric specialist. Each of those options will be able to help you find the help and treatment best suited for you. If you are already interested in psychiatric medication treatment and you are currently under the care of a therapist or counselor, they can refer you to a psychiatric specialist who will be able to handle your treatment. Many practitioners are able to prescribe psychiatric medication for common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, but some forms of treatment are beyond the scope of practice for a general health doctor and require the specific skill set and knowledge of a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. Serious and more complex mental health conditions such as mood disorders or schizoaffective disorders need to be addressed by a psychiatric specialist.

2. Proceed with intake process

With each provider, you will be required to complete new patient intake paperwork of some kind and may have your care authorized by whatever insurance you have, if any. The process is typically simple and straight-forward and each provider will walk you through their protocol to get you ready for your appointment. Some providers complete the entire intake process virtually and will handle all of their forms and intake steps via an online portal or scanning documents to send via email or their website. For others, they will require physical paperwork to be filled out and returned in-office. If you have any questions regarding these steps, check with your provider’s office for more information.

The process of psychiatric treatment with insurance can be complicated, depending on your provider. There are many insurance providers who cover most if not all of your mental health care, including therapy and psychiatric treatment. However, there are many insurances that don’t, as well as many health care providers who don’t partner with certain insurances. It is important to verify with the practitioner you are wanting to see, as well as your insurance provider, whether they can work together to cover your care.

3. Initial appointment & evaluation

Depending on your mental health situation, you will need to have your symptoms evaluated. Your doctor will talk with you, listen to what you are experiencing, assessing your symptoms and then offer you a clearer diagnosis of what you are facing. For some cases, such as those involving more complex mental health conditions, a psychological evaluation will be recommended. Psychological testing and evaluation involves a series of tests, interviews and other assessments, which will gather detailed information to provide a more accurate diagnosis. Once your psychiatric specialist has offered you a diagnosis, they will then proceed to a treatment plan.

4. Deciding on a course of treatment

Once you and your care provider are clear about your diagnosis, you will collaborate to decide on the treatment plan that best suits your needs. Your doctor will have information for you on medication options, their respective benefits and side effects and how they will help to support you. Once you have decided on a medication plan, your doctor will prescribe the medication, explain the course of treatment and dosage and then begin your medication treatment. You will be in close communication with your psychiatrist throughout the medication treatment process, to discuss how it is affecting your mental state, any side effects you are experiencing and perhaps to alter the dosage that you are taking. It’s important to note that each medication has a different dosage and should not be adjusted per the patient’s discretion. Any changes in dosing should always be approved or initiated by your provider, to avoid medication withdrawal or an over-dosing.

The Takeaway

Psychiatric medication management can be an incredibly impactful and necessary step in the treatment of mental health conditions. With the combined help of other therapeutic treatments, medication treatment can help substantially to reach mental stability. Although mental health treatment, especially that of psychiatric medication, has been negatively stigmatized in society, it is an integral part in the health and well-being of many. Without it, the functioning of many lives would not be possible. If you are experiencing symptoms or the profound negative impacts of a mental health challenge or serious mental illness, it is important to reach out to your doctor or therapist. Seeking help and support for your mental health is the most important first step in your path to a happier and more stable life. Talk to your provider to see if psychiatric medication management is right for you.