Medication management

People who are prescribed long-term medication frequently find that taking medication regularly can be difficult; these issues are not confined to people with mental health problems. Uncertainty about whether or not to take medication, especially in the longer term, is a common phenomenon. A number of interventions to try to help people to enhance concordance with medication have been tested and the most promising approaches come from a combination of cognitive, behavioural, motivational interviewing, and problem-solving approaches. Sound clinical interpersonal skills should underpin collaborative approaches that aim to engage service users in talking about and self-managing their treatment.