title: Personal Accounts of Discontinuing Neuroleptic Medication for Psychosis.
abstract: We conducted this study to explore personal accounts of making choices about taking medication prescribed for the treatment of psychosis (neuroleptics). There are costs and benefits associated with continuing and discontinuing neuroleptics. Service users frequently discontinue neuroleptics; therefore, we specifically considered these decisions. We used a grounded theory approach to analyze transcripts from interviews with 12 participants. We present a preliminary grounded theory of the processes involved in making choices about neuroleptic medication. We identified three tasks as important in mediating participants' choices: (a) forming a personal theory of the need for, and acceptability of taking, neuroleptic medication; (b) negotiating the challenges of forming alliances with others; and (c) weaving a safety net to safeguard well-being. Progress in the tasks reflected a developmental trajectory of becoming an expert over time and was influenced by systemic factors. Our findings highlight the importance of developing resources for staff to facilitate service user choice.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.|2 North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, Newcastle, UK.
authors.forename: Gabrielle Le
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Geyt
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Awenat
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tai
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Haddock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D066296:Grounded Theory; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents
keywords: North West England; decision making; grounded theory; lived experience; medication; mental health and illness; qualitative; recovery; schizophrenia