The role of other people in decisions on antipsychotic use.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of other people in the experience of making choices related to the use of antipsychotic medication.
IRAS ID
148163
Contact name
Miriam Wade
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Research summary
People who experience the symptoms of psychosis (i.e. hallucinations and delusions) are routinely prescribed antipsychotic medication in order to control these experiences. However, research has shown that many people are dissatisfied with antipsychotics as a form of treatment and thus up to 75% of those prescribed this medication will choose to stop taking it (e.g. Lieberman et al, 2005). Research suggests that many of those who choose to stop taking antipsychotics do so without informing their mental health team. This may occur because people fear that they will be coerced into continuing with their medication against their will if they voice their decisions. Similarly, people may fear telling their friends and family of their treatment decisions if they feel that this will lead to anxiety or conflict. Discontinuing medication without informing other people can be dangerous as individuals may experience numerous unpleasant withdrawal effects, which need to be monitored. The support of others is therefore important for those making choices regarding the use of antipsychotics to ensure that treatment decisions can be implemented safely and effectively.
The current study involves interviewing people who have attempted a period of medication reduction or discontinuation. We aim to understand how people perceived the role of other people in this process. We will ask participants to discuss who they told (or did not tell) about their decision and why, any help and support they received, what support was particularly beneficial and what involvement was less helpful. It will also explore what impact other people had on participant’s emotions, self-efficacy and decision-making in relation to the use of antipsychotics. This will allow us to understand how staff, families and carers can provide optimum support for those making and implementing decisions related to antipsychotic use which will inform interventions specifically targeting the increase of patient choice.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0307
Date of REC Opinion
23 May 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion