title: The experience of weight gain as a result of taking second-generation antipsychotic medications: the mental health consumer perspective.
abstract: This interpretive qualitative study aimed to describe and construct the meaning of the experience of living with the weight gain associated with second-generation antipsychotics. A qualitative study that incorporated the tenets of phenomenology and utilized in-depth interviews was conducted with eight mental health consumers. Thematic analysis resulted in three themes: Grappling with the weight; Living with the consequences of being overweight; and Experiencing negative emotions about the weight gain. The findings indicate that consumers struggle to manage the insatiable appetite and the related weight gain associated with second-generation antipsychotic medication, as well as the numerous associated physical and emotional issues. Adherence with prescribed second-generation antipsychotic medication was also affected and a number of the participants indicated they had ceased or considered ceasing their medication because of the weight gain associated with the drugs.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition, James Cook University, Cairns, Qld, Australia.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Usher
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects*; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents
keywords: medication management; mental health; psychotropic medications; qualitative methodology; weight gain