Medication Nonadherence in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Nearly 70 percent of Americans are taking at least one prescribed medication. At least half take more than one. With one of the most frequent line of treatment for many diseases being prescribed medication, nonadherence is a very real issue for many professional nurses. There may be many reasons for patients to not adhere to their medication regime, and as part of the healthcare team, nurses need to examine these and find ways to correct it. Nonadherence can easily lead to negative outcomes for many patients (Streed, 2013). Treatment management, including medications for disorders is one of the most important parts of health treatment for patients. It is especially important for those with mental health disorders. There is often negative feelings surrounding adherence, that a patient is not compliant or not following “the rules.” Patients that are of legal age and the parents of underage individuals, still have autonomy. In most cases, they cannot be made to adhere to treatment, including medication. They have a right to refuse treatment (Fontaine, 2009). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adherence as the extent to which a patient’s behavior matches with the recommendations of their health care provider. Medication adherence refers to not only taking the medication, but taking the correct dosage at the correct time and frequency (Huggins et al., 2011). Decisions about treatments and the goals of treatment should be mutually agreed-upon by the patient and the prescribing provider. Nonadherence is present in every disease and chronic illness, ranging from 19 percent to more than 50 percent. It is important for the reasons for nonadherence to be investigated; it is... ... middle of paper ... ...arket to help patients remember. A medication storage contained that has space for 1 week may help them to remember. Helping the patients to set electronic alarms on a watch or cell phone can also help them remember their medication. There are even products that combine the two actions, holding the medications for a week and having an alarm that can be programmed to remind them. They should carry a wallet card with a list of all their medications and other identifying information. Sometimes there may be medication teaching groups available to the patients. In this setting, patients can also help each other learn. There may be a caregiver for some patients with PTSD, especially those with severe symptoms. They may help the patients with their medications. If they deal with the medication they should be present at any medication teaching, if possible (Fontaine, 2009).
Understanding psychological disorders are very important in human development, the first step is to define what is meant by a disorder. How do psychologists determine that there something is psychologically wrong with a person? What behaviours are abnormal? A psychological disorder, also known as a mental disorder, is a pattern of behavioural or psychological symptoms that impact multiple life areas and/or create distress for the person experiencing these symptoms. A clear sign of abnormal behaviour or mental state is when an individual's behaviour is destructive to themselves or their social group, such as family, friends. Above all psychological disorders create a maladaptive pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that lead to detriments in relationships and other life areas. There are several ethical issues in treating psychological disorders. There two ways of treating psychological disorders through; psychotherapy this form of treatment involves social interactions between a trained professional (therapist) and client. This is delivered on a one-to-one, face-to-face meeting. Another way of treating psychological disorder is through pharmacological treatments. This is the use of proactive drugs to treat certain disorders. This essay will aim to highlight the pros and cons of using pharmacological and psychological treatments.
Forcing someone to take medication or be hospitalized against their will seems contrary to an individual’s right to refuse medical treatment, however, the issue becomes complicated when it involves individuals suffering from a mental illness. What should be done when a person has lost their grasp on reality, or if they are at a risk of harming themselves or others? Would that justify denying individuals the right to refuse treatment and issuing involuntary treatment? Numerous books and articles have been written which debates this issue and presents the recommendations of assorted experts.
Thankfully there is an alternative that can solve the cause of these ailments while avoiding the negative effects that the psychoactive drugs leave on the patient. The alternative is talk therapy, or more professionally known as psychotherapy. If a higher emphasis is placed on psychotherapy rather than the curre...
Mental health issues are pervasive in todays society. Individuals diagnosed with severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, have a diminished wellbeing due to the stressors associated with their illness. Whether these psychosocial aggravations are an internalized manifestation of poor self esteem, societal renunciation, or subjective distress, it is evident that mental illness is a stigma on the individual dealing with the disorder, as well as a strain on societal resources. While reliance on psychotropic medications and psychosocial interventions have traditionally been a common treatment plan, many argue that the overuse and inappropriate prescription of drugs in the treatment of mental heath is creating a larger problem than
This assignment will discuss the professional, legal and ethical issues related to the self-use of medication by nurses. It will also explore the importance of reporting this misconduct by both professionals in the scenario and how they might do so. The self-use of medication by nurses is not allowed or justifiable according to the guidance provided to nurses by An Bord Altranais (ABA 2007). It will also be evident throughout this assignment the need for Jack to report Linda’s self-use of the medication or urge Linda to do so regardless of the consequences it may present to both him and Linda as according to Nurses and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI 2013), nurses can now be held responsible for not taking action. This is because delivering the greatest level of care to a patient is an essential role of a nurse and the main focus of the nurse’s work should be on caring for that patient (ABA 2010). There is also an ethical duty upon both nurses to report the misconduct according to the four ethical principles; Beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and autonomy (Edwards 2009).
Agyemang, REO, and A While. "Medication errors: types, causes and impact on nursing practice." British Journal of Nursing (BJN) 19.6 (2010): 380-385. CINAHL Plus with Full Text. EBSCO. Web. 7 Mar. 2011.
This paper will examine the complicated roles a counselor has related to the use of prescribed medication in treating mental health issues. The first section will explore the boundaries and ethical implications for a counselor surrounding the recommendation and prescription of psychotropic medication. The next section will include the counselor’s role in client education about medication. The third section will relate to the details of client referral when medication is warranted.
Other factors that influence treatment adherence are the following: the symptoms of illness, such as hypomanic denial, psychosis, comorbid disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse disorders. Side effects of medications and unfavorable personal attitudes toward treatment may also have a great negative impact on treatment adherence. The effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions to enhance adherence will allow the ability to address the factors that are changeable and most relevant to treatment adherence in a given individual. These factors will undoubtedly differ depending on the individual 's psychiatric symptoms, medication response patterns, age, gender, and cultural
Tzeng, H., Yin, C., & Schneider, T. E. (2013). Medication Error-Related Issues In Nursing Practice. MEDSURG Nursing, 22(1), 13-50.
Polypharmacy among the elderly is a growing concern in U.S. healthcare system. Patients who have comorbities and take multiple medications are at a higher risk for potential adverse drug reactions. There is a great need for nursing interventions in conducting a patient medication review also known as “brown bag”. As nurses obtain history data from patients at a provider visit, the nurse should ask “what medications are you taking?” and the answer needs to include over-the-counter medications as well. If the response does not include any medications other than prescribed meds, it is incumbent upon the nursing professionals to question the patient further to ensure that no over-the-counter medications or supplements are being consumed. This is also an opportunity for the nurse to question about any adverse reactions the patient may be experiencing resulting from medications. Polypharmacy can result from patients having multiple prescribers and pharmacies, and patients continuing to take medications that have been discontinued by the physician. Nurses are in a unique position to provide early detection and intervention for potentially inappropriate medications and its associated adverse drug reactions.
Polypharmacy among the elderly is a growing concern in U.S. healthcare system. Elderly who have comorbities and take multiple medications are at a higher risk for potential adverse drug reactions. Elderly who take over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements without consulting their physician are at risk for adverse reactions associated with polypharmacy. Polypharmacy can result from patients having multiple prescribers and pharmacies, and patients who continue to take medications which have been discontinued by the physician. There is a great need for nursing interventions regarding polypharmacy, including medication reviews also known as “brown bag”. As nurses obtain history data and conduct a patient assessment, it is essential to review the patients’ medications and ask open-ended questions regarding all types of medications in which the patient is taking. In addition, the patient assessment is also an opportunity for the nurse to inquire about any adverse reactions the patient may be experiencing resulting from medications. Nurses are in a unique position to provide early detection and intervention for potentially inappropriate medications and its associated adverse drug reactions.
Mc Lellan A (2009) The nurse patient relationship will prove key to effective medication adherence. Nursing Times 105(3).29
The debate over the right of clinical psychologists to prescribe psychoactive medications is certainly not new to the scene. In fact, the debate spans over the past two decades with strong arguments on each end of the spectrum. While opponents to the issue question, among many other things, the qualifications of psychologists, advocates on the issue stress the important public needs that are not currently being met in our mental healthcare system (Lavoie & Barone, 2006). Although the issue of prescription privileges for psychologist stems back many years with plenty of arguments on both sides, I believe the evidence presents a clear and evident solution on the topic. Based on research articles and journals in this field of study, I find that new standards for prescription privileges would pose a substantial benefit for mental health professionals, both psychologist and psychiatrists. Prescription privileges in today’s world would essentially broaden public access and availability to the mental health professionals who have the powers to prescribe (Lavoie & Fleet, 2002).
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the dangers of prescription drugs when not taken as prescribed by your physician or pharmacist.
It reveals that clients are shifting from a perspective of ambivalence about proposed or potential change towards one of increased confidence and motivation. Teach back method The nurse can also employ the teach-back method, a strategy that helps patients understand and recall their instructions. After the nurse gives a patient the instructions about his or her medication, the patient then explains the instructions back to you. Depending on the patient's comprehension, affirm his or her understanding or go over the instructions again.