Medication Support
When meeting with you, we conduct a thorough clinical and mental health assessment. This assessment allows us to understand your unique circumstances, symptoms and medical history. Decisions around the use of medication to address mental health difficulties must consider the evidence for use, all potential treatment options, potential risks, benefits and side effects. Prescription medication often, but not always, forms a part of mental health treatment plans. The use of medicine is tailored to address specific mental health symptoms and conditions.
We emphasise the importance of regular health monitoring throughout any treatments. When starting medication, ongoing assessments help track progress, manage any potential side effects, and adjust treatment as needed to ensure optimal outcomes. This monitoring may also involve your General Practitioner and/or Psychiatrist and should include psychotherapeutic interventions such as evidence-based talk therapy, which plays a vital role in complimenting mental health treatment. These talk therapies are grounded in scientific research and are tailored to your specific needs, offering a supportive environment to explore emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Our commitment to comprehensive care means that we continuously evaluate the effectiveness of all interventions, ensuring they align with your mental health goals.
To read more about Managing Mental Health Medications, head to the Better Health Channel.
Many adults experience persistent anxiety and chronic stress due to workplace pressures, relationship difficulties, or life transitions.
Medication consults provided by Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Australia play a crucial role in mental health care, offering patients comprehensive support in managing their conditions. As advanced practice nurses, Nurse Practitioners possess the necessary skills and knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders, including prescribing medications when appropriate. With a focus on patient-centred care, they engage in thorough consultations to tailor treatment plans to each individual’s needs. Patients have the option to consult their General Practitioner or Nurse Practitioners regarding medications. NP’s will work alongside GP’s and communicate regarding treatment plans. If symptoms are complex, Nurse Practitioners and General Practitioners will refer to Psychiatrists for additional recommendations and/or management. Nurse Practitioners stay updated on the latest research and evidence-based practices to ensure patients receive the most effective and safe treatments available. When prescribing new medications, NPs carefully consider factors such as the patient’s medical history, existing medications, potential side effects, and treatment goals. They collaborate closely with patients to educate them about their medications, including how to take them correctly, potential side effects to monitor for, and the expected therapeutic outcomes. To learn more about Nurse Practitioner prescribing, explore information provided by the Victorian Department of Health.In addition to initiating medication therapy, Nurse Practitioners also play a vital role in the de-prescribing process. De-prescribing involves the systematic reduction or discontinuation of medications that may no longer be necessary, beneficial, or appropriate for the patient. This process is particularly important in mental health, where patients may be prescribed multiple medications over time, leading to polypharmacy and increased risk of adverse effects. Nurse Practitioners conduct comprehensive medication reviews to assess the ongoing need for each medication, considering factors such as changes in the patient’s condition, treatment response, potential drug interactions, and patient preferences. Through shared decision-making with patients, NPs collaboratively develop de-prescribing plans aimed at optimising medication regimens, reducing pill burden, and minimising potential harm.
To learn more about de-prescribing, access the resources provided by the Australian Deprescribing Network.
Pharmacogenetic testing is an emerging tool that holds promise in optimising medication selection and dosing for patients with mental health disorders. This innovative approach involves analysing genetic variations that can influence an individual’s response to certain medications. By identifying genetic markers associated with drug metabolism, efficacy, and adverse reactions, pharmacogenetic testing enables healthcare providers, including Nurse Practitioners, to personalise treatment decisions based on each patient’s unique genetic profile. In mental health care, pharmacogenetic testing can help predict an individual’s response to psychotropic medications, guiding the selection of medications with the highest likelihood of efficacy and the lowest risk of adverse effects. This personalised approach has the potential to not only enhance treatment outcomes but also minimise the need for trial-and-error prescribing, reducing the time and resources required to find an effective medication regimen.
With a focus on patient-centred care and evidence-based practice, Nurse Practitioners integrate new prescription medications into treatment plans whilst also utilising innovative approaches such as pharmacogenetic testing to personalise medication management. By staying abreast of advancements in pharmacotherapy and employing comprehensive medication management strategies, Nurse Practitioners empower patients to achieve better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life.
To learn more about pharmacogenomics, explore the Cleveland Clinic website.