Psychiatric Medication Management
Psychiatric medication management (PMM) is a collaborative process between a patient and their healthcare provider to treat mental health conditions using medication. PMM can be an effective therapy because it helps to:
- Find the right medication
- A psychiatrist or other mental health professional can assess a patient’s symptoms, medical, family and social history, and other factors to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage.
- Reduce symptoms
- PMM can help to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. For example, psychiatric medication can help restore chemical imbalances in the brain that can cause mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
- Minimize side effects
- PMM aims to minimize the side effects and risks associated with taking psychiatric medications.
- Educate patients
- Patients are educated about their medications, including potential side effects, proper administration, and precautions.
- Monitor treatment
- Regular follow-up appointments allow the patient and their healthcare provider to assess the patient’s response to the medication and make any necessary adjustments.
PMM can be a short-term or long-term treatment, depending on the patient’s condition. For example, someone being treated for a situational issue might only need medication until their symptoms resolve, followed by a gradual taper. Others, such as those with a lifelong illness, may need to take medication continuously.