Choosing to use compared to taking medication: the meaning of medication as described by people who experience schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
The use of medication is an important aspect within the experience of schizophrenia.


METHODS
Interviews with 14 people with schizophrenia were analyzed using van Kaam's psychophenomenological method, and findings revealed two opposing and important attitudes toward medication.


RESULTS
Adopting an attitude of choosing to use prescribed medication means autonomously self-managing medication and taking prescribed medication means feeling challenged and being under external pressure through being told or forced by others and therefore having no personal connection to the details or purpose of medication.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses need to actively work in partnership to support consumers to take an active stance toward choosing to use medication rather than ensuring consumers take medication.
University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
Susan
S
Liersch-Sumskis
Lorna
L
Moxham
Janette
J
Curtis
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001290:Attitude; D001315:Australia; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D055118:Medication Adherence; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012648:Self Care
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents
Challenge; medication; mental illness; recovery; resilience; schizophrenia; support