You need medication management for as long as you take psychiatric drugs to improve the symptoms of a mental health disorder. The experienced team at Associates in Behavioral Science offers medication management to patients currently receiving psychotherapy. They closely monitor your symptoms with follow-up appointments to be sure you achieve optimal results without side effects. If you have questions about medication management or want to schedule an appointment, call the office in Berwyn or West Dundee, Illinois, or book an appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat is medication management?
Medication management is an outpatient program for prescribing psychotropic medications. Extensive psychological research shows that using medication in conjunction with psychotherapy produces better results than medication alone.
For this reason, Associates in Behavioral Science only offers medication management to patients who also receive psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Some medications are used for a short time, while you take others for the long term. You need to show up for therapy and regular follow-up medication management appointments as long as you take a psychotropic medication.
How does medication management protect my health?
While psychotropic medications are a critical part of your treatment, they’re powerful drugs with the potential for serious side effects. Follow-up appointments allow a qualified physician or nurse practitioner to protect your mental and physical health by:
Monitoring your results
Your therapist keeps a close watch over your results. Regular follow-up appointments allow them to learn if your symptoms improve in the expected timeframe or if they need to change your medication to improve your mental health.
Detecting side effects
Identifying the early signs of side effects depends on routine appointments. Some side effects occur gradually inside your body without causing symptoms. Medication management appointments allow your provider to draw blood if needed, screen for any problems, and quickly adjust your treatment to prevent complications.
Overcoming obstacles
Few people plan to stop taking their meds, yet studies show that half of all people taking medications for schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder decide to quit, usually without consulting their therapist. Your provider helps you overcome those issues so you can get the treatment you need.
What happens during a medication management appointment?
During your first appointment, your provider reviews your medical and psychological history, learns about your symptoms, and completes a psychiatric evaluation. Then they choose a medication based on your diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms.
Your provider explains how to take the medication and the possible side effects. Then they send the prescription to your preferred pharmacy.
Follow-up appointments don’t last as long as your first evaluation. Your provider quickly evaluates your symptoms, determines if the drug is helping, and answers your questions. Then they refill your prescription, adjust the dose, or prescribe a different medication.
If you need medication management, call Associates in Behavioral Science or book an appointment online today.