1. Understanding the use of psychotropic medication in the therapeutic process

2. Importance of maintaining knowledge of medications
Historically, mental health professionals merely referred patients for medication
Today, these same individuals are involved in many more medication related tasks

3. Recommend that a physician prescribe drugs to a patient
Monitor medicated client’s progress with medication
Persuade clients to follow prescribed drug regiments
Facilitate client’s understanding of drug effects
Assist clients to stop taking a medication

4. Case managers May count and sort medication
Bring medications to a client’s home and watch while they are taken
Drive clients to medication related appointments

5. Limited information regarding medication is taught in school
Most knowledge gained is through the work environment and outside educational venues

6. The psychiatric medication history: AN INTERVIEW SCHEDULE
ASSIST CLIENTS IN managing their medications and interpreting its effects
Integration of medication therapy and other treatment modalities

7. Performing a psychiatric medication history can assist the clinician in understanding the experience of the client
Assist clients in conscious decisions to integrate or exclude medications from their lives
Assist clients in making informed decisions of either course of action

8. Source
The psychiatric Medication History: Context, Purpose, and Method
David Cohen, The Haworth press