A Look At Psychiatry: Medication Management to Reduce Mental Health Symptoms

Symptoms are an important factor in psychiatry. Body sensations that we have are often indicators of how we are feeling.  The Psychiatrist would benefit from learning all about all your current medications, previous medications used, vitamins, current symptoms, family history, personal history, and prior diagnosis (if applicable) so they are more likely to help you with your individual needs.

Working With Your Doctor

​Just like with meeting any other medical professional, your first meeting with a psychiatrist is likely to entail a detailed history and discussion.  You may also come to the meeting with your own set of questions or topics you would like to cover.  Before meeting with a new psychiatrist, try writing down any questions you may have on your phone or in a designated notebook so you're more likely to remember to have the discussion in person with your provider. 

There may be a discussion of a diagnosis as early as the first meeting. A diagnosis is a title given to individuals emphasizing symptoms over a particular length of time. A diagnostic title is a way of communicating individual needs from one professional to another. These words should be considered health related, just as a medical doctor would communicate with their patients on physical symptoms and label what their patient is experiencing. ​

Did you know: You can bring or share a summary of your medication history, diagnosis, symptoms, etc. with you during your appointments?  With it being hard remembering all details, it can be handy to have dates and a timeline written down.  This tool may be especially comforting when meeting someone new and if there may be big feelings of having to review history.

Deciding If Medication Is "Right" To Take

After meeting with a primary care physician (PCP) or Psychiatrist, you may be offered medication to assist with symptoms.  Should medication be offered, it could be temporary and be adjusted with time and based on feedback.  Once the medication referral is made, the patient may continue to consider if they wish to use the new tool.

The goal is generally to reduce symptom intensity and frequency.  If medication is used, it's best practice to be an additional tool with coping skills, therapy, and self-care.  Think about all the tools together as a well rounded professional athlete. Progress can be made gradually over time or progress may be expedited when they take healthy steps and practice.  Regular and effective coping skills are also an important part of this example.  We wouldn't expect a professional athlete to improve without regular mindful practice and the same principle is in affect here with mental health tools.

How Can I Track Changes And Progress

If you opt to utilize medication, you can acknowledge any changes and observations in the same journal or location in your phone.  Having all of your information in one area would help with organization to remember details.  The details can be logged easily in summary form, chart, or by using symbols.  Best practice is to chart during any medication changes and when symptoms vary.  For instance, if 5 symptoms have been present for the last month and a new symptom started, it can be helpful to summarize differences. 

Did you know: sharing the update with your therapist and at least one trusted family member or friend may allow for space to receive insight on progress from a neutral source.  

The Connection In The Biopsychosocial Model

The biopsychosocial model emphasizes how physical health and emotional health are connected.  Symptoms are more likely to dissipate when a psychiatrist and therapist are aware of goals and progress.  Shared knowledge may allow for greater understanding of onset, frequency, intensity, and progress. 
​
Psychiatrists can be a vital part of a mental health team. Their vast knowledge of mental health diagnoses, symptoms, and medication allows them to offer specific tools to their patients. Along with therapy, Psychiatrists can help their patients reduce their symptoms and feel better.  

The Role Of Therapists in Medication Management

It can differ some from state to state but Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) in California do not prescribe medications. The role of MFTs in California is to make referrals, encourage advocacy, acknowledge the patients' options while making a decision, provide feedback on symptoms, assist with noticing changes, and offer a therapeutic summary.

Because prescribing medication is out of the clinician's scope of practice, your therapist should refer you back to the prescribing physician to determine if a change may need to be made.  Similarly, if the client has opted to reduce their medication, it is best practice to communicate any changes with the prescribing physician directly.  Whatever the patient decides to do, the therapist should offer therapeutic support within their scope of practice.  The therapist may also be able to offer unique insight into what they see during sessions and in guiding the client to make the best decision for themselves. ​

To discuss specifics about your medication list or if you're considering using medication to reduce your mental health symptoms I highly recommend reaching out to a primary care physician and/or psychiatrist.

Stay Well,

Author

Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has been in the mental health field for more than ten years and is passionate to share mental health wellness strategies.