As discussed in the previous article (Is Mental Health Medication Right for You?), the decision to take mental health medication should be made after careful evaluation by a medical provider and following a shared decision making model. Shared decision making recognizes that there are two experts in the room: the medical provider, and you, the patient. You are, after all, the expert when it comes to your personal experience and preferences. 

A mental health medication evaluation should include a thorough discussion of symptoms, personal medical and family history, risk factors, goals of treatment, and concerns about potential medication side effects.

Here is a guide to help you prepare for your conversation with your provider

Step 1: Use Mental Health America’s online mental health screening tool to determine whether you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. 

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with basic information on the types of mental health medications, how they work, the symptoms they treat, and potential benefits as well as side effects so that you can have an informed discussion with your provider about your preferences and goals.

Step 3: Answer the following questions and bring them with you to your appointment to share with your provider:

  • What are the symptoms you would like to address?
  • Of these symptoms, which are the top one or two that concern you the most?
  • What have you tried in the past to help with these concerns?
  • What did you find helpful and what was not helpful?
  • Have you ever seen a mental health professional in the past?
  • Have you ever taken medication(s) for mental health concerns? If so, which medication(s), and what was your response?
  • Do you have a family history of mental health challenges?
  • Do you tend to be sensitive to medication side effects? If so, please describe them.
  • Are there particular medication side effects you wish to avoid? For example, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, etc. 
  • What (if any) side effects are you willing to tolerate if it could mean improvement in the symptoms you are most concerned about?
  • What other medications and supplements are you currently taking?
  • Do you have any medication allergies?
  • Are you seeing a therapist currently, or do you want a referral to a therapist?
  • What is your overall goal for your mental health treatment?
  • Is there anything else you would like your provider to know that you feel is important to your treatment?

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