Abstract

Author(s)

Claire Jones

Affiliations

SA Pharmacy, Division of Mental Health Southern Area Local Health Network

Introduction

Reported relapse rates for schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are high (80% and 60% respectively), with people who are non-concordant with medications having an average reported relapse risk that is 3.7 times greater than those who are concordant, often resulting in hospital admission. Medication adverse effects can further limit therapeutic outcomes either as a result of a therapeutic ceiling, and or due to the influence of adverse effects on medication concordance.

Discussion

Medication optimisation supports the implementation of the Equally Well Principles and can include practical approaches to:

– support people in taking the correct medications
– support overcoming barriers to medication concordance
– reduce the risk of side effects and management of these
– support early intervention and treatment as required for signs and symptoms of psychotropic-induced chronic disease
– support management of psychotropic polypharmacy

A review of evidence and guidelines supporting practical approaches to medication optimisation will be presented.