Anthony Stratford1, Lisa Brophy, Tracy Beaton, David Castle. 1. Senior Advisor Recovery, Mind Australia; Honorary Fellow, Department of Psychiatry and School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; and Visiting Scholar, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The recovery paradigm is significantly influencing contemporary mental health services. This paper explores using a recovery orientation when introducing, prescribing, administering and monitoring medication as part of treatment in psychiatry. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery is not 'anti' medication; however, a recovery-oriented position does require the adoption of an enabling and empowering approach to the use of medication. The cornerstone of this is shared decision-making that respects the person's own lived experience and choice as well as the practitioner's professional expertise. This paper suggests that by taking this path, relationships between psychiatrists, other clinicians and consumers will be enhanced.
OBJECTIVE: The recovery paradigm is significantly influencing contemporary mental health services. This paper explores using a recovery orientation when introducing, prescribing, administering and monitoring medication as part of treatment in psychiatry. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery is not 'anti' medication; however, a recovery-oriented position does require the adoption of an enabling and empowering approach to the use of medication. The cornerstone of this is shared decision-making that respects the person's own lived experience and choice as well as the practitioner's professional expertise. This paper suggests that by taking this path, relationships between psychiatrists, other clinicians and consumers will be enhanced.