Medication and mental illness

Summary

This transcript explores the complex experiences of individuals with mental illness and their relationship with medication. Jen Aboki, Pat Beinke, and Kerin O'Halloran reflect on the challenges of taking medication, its side effects, and the feelings of being controlled or diminished. Experts like Dr. Roderick McKay and Dr. Michael Tam emphasize that medication should rarely be the first option, advocating for lifestyle changes and psychological therapies. The conversation highlights the importance of individualized treatment, open communication, and empowering patients in their healthcare decisions.

Takeaways

• 💊 Medication is often presented as a certainty for wellness, but many patients feel it shouldn't be the only solution to staying well.
• 🤔 Medication can feel like an external force, controlling aspects of life, creating a sense of imprisonment in one's own body.
• 👩‍🎨 Families witness the gradual diminishing of their loved ones' personalities and abilities due to medication side effects.
• 🗣️ For mild to moderate mental illness, lifestyle changes and therapy should be considered before medication.
• 💼 Severe mental illness may necessitate medication earlier, but it should always be tailored to the individual's needs and preferences.
• ⚖️ Medication comes with risks and side effects, so it's important for patients to be aware of both the benefits and downsides.
• 🫂 Open communication between healthcare providers and patients is crucial for effective treatment, with an emphasis on understanding the whole person, not just the illness.
• 📋 Many patients feel the healthcare system is fragmented, forcing them to repeat their story, which can be tiring and re-traumatizing.
• 🙋‍♀️ Patients desire to have a voice in their treatment, yet often find themselves needing an advocate to push for changes, like reducing medication.
• 🏥 Patients who feel empowered, respected, and involved in their care are more likely to have positive treatment outcomes and long-term recovery.

Q & A

What is Jen Aboki's main concern about medication?

Jen Aboki expresses discomfort with the idea that medication is seen as the only way to stay well. She fears becoming dependent on it and questions whether it is possible to rely on oneself without medication.

How did Pat Beinke feel about taking medication for her mental health condition?

Pat Beinke felt trapped by the need to take medication, likening the experience to being in jail. She also described feeling like a 'zombie' while on the medication and experienced side effects such as fatigue and weight issues.

What did Kerin O'Halloran observe about the effects of medication on her child?

Kerin O'Halloran observed that her child, once very smart and politically witty, was diminished by the medication. She suffered from significant side effects, including weight gain, hormonal issues, and emotional changes.

According to Dr. Roderick McKay, when should medication be considered for mental illness?

Dr. Roderick McKay believes medication should rarely be the first line of treatment, especially for mild to moderate mental illness. Lifestyle changes and talking therapies should be considered first, with medication being used when necessary, depending on the individual's condition and desires.

What alternative therapies do the doctors suggest as a first line of treatment?

Dr. Michael Tam mentions that psychological therapies, interpersonal therapies, and psychodynamic supportive therapies are preferred as first-line treatments for most mental illnesses, especially in cases of mild to moderate severity.

What concerns did Judith Mackson raise about managing adverse events related to medication?

Judith Mackson emphasized the importance of managing adverse events properly, ensuring that providers are responsive to changes in the patient's condition. She highlighted the need for communication and collaboration to ensure the best care.

Why does Dr. Roderick McKay believe open communication is crucial in mental health treatment?

Dr. Roderick McKay believes that open communication is essential because it allows the patient and healthcare providers to discuss risks and benefits openly. It also ensures that everyone involved in the care team is aware of the patient's full range of problems and medications.

What issues did the participants express about the continuity of care in mental health treatment?

Several participants, including Kerin O'Halloran, raised concerns about the lack of continuity in care. Patients often have to repeat their story to different providers, which can be exhausting and re-traumatizing. There was also frustration about the lack of a coordinated team approach.

How did involving her husband in her care affect Jen Aboki’s treatment plan?

When Jen Aboki brought her husband to a medical appointment, the doctors were more willing to consider her request to reduce her medication. This made her upset, as it highlighted the lack of autonomy patients often feel in making decisions about their own care.

How did Pat Beinke’s psychiatrist contribute to her sense of comfort during treatment?

Pat Beinke appreciated her psychiatrist's empathy and attentiveness. The psychiatrist remembered details from previous appointments and made Pat feel comfortable, allowing her to open up and discuss her condition without fear or reservation.