Family Psychiatry
Family Psychiatry

Medication Management in Bellevue & Seattle

If you’re coping with a mental health condition, medication management may help. It can help provide relief from your symptoms so you can lead your day-to-day life. At Family Psychiatry, we offer medication management services at our Seattle, Bellevue, and Issaquah offices to help address a variety of mental health conditions. You can count on our psychiatrists to work closely alongside you to manage your medication dosage and track your progress in a supportive and empowering environment.

 

What is Medication Management?

Medication management is intended to help children and adults with mental health conditions manage their symptoms and live higher-quality lives. In most cases, a psychiatrist will prescribe a recommended dose that has worked for most patients in a similar situation. Once you begin treatment, you’ll return to discuss how you’re feeling and doing. Then, the psychiatrist can make dosage adjustments or change the medication if necessary. Keep in mind that medication is an ongoing process, and your psychiatrist will continue to monitor your symptoms, your condition, and side effects to decide if any adjustments or changes are needed.

Several medications may be prescribed to treat mental health disorders, including:

  • Antidepressants: Antidepressants are used to ease symptoms of depression but can also be used for anxiety disorders or ADHD.

  • Anti-Anxiety Medications: Anti-anxiety medications can help with anxiety symptoms, such as panic attacks.

  • Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics are usually prescribed for conditions such as severe depression, PTSD, and OCD.

  • Stimulants: Just like coffee, stimulants can treat symptoms of fatigue and may be beneficial for patients with ADHD and related disorders.

 
 

Benefits of Medication Management for Mental Illness

Medication can provide a number of benefits for patients with mental health conditions. If you’re living with a condition, it can restore/balance your mood and give you a more positive mindset. It may also offer relief from negative thought patterns and compulsive cycles and even out your energy levels or calm you down. In addition, it can be adjusted to meet your unique needs and goals.

 What Conditions Can Medication Management Help?

There are a wide variety of conditions that can be treated with medication management, such as:

Depression

Anxiety

ADHD

Bipolar Disorder

Insomnia

How Family Psychiatry Can Help with Medication Management

Taking medication is a serious decision, and we’re here to help inform, educate, and guide you through the process. Our psychiatrists will first perform a functional assessment to diagnose your condition and determine whether you’d benefit from taking medication. From there, you will work together to zero in on the ideal medications and dosage. Then, you will check in with them, often every month, to receive ongoing support and guidance. At the end of the day, our provider's goal is to ensure optimal benefit, safety, and comfort for our clients.

We take a holistic approach to care and consider all facets of your life, including your mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social well-being. We go beyond just prescribing medication; we take note of your habits, lifestyle choices, and daily activities. These things go hand in hand with improving your symptoms and mental functioning. Rest assured, we’ll also take your consideration and thoughts about medication into account - if you feel scared or uncomfortable, we will adjust or propose alternative solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medication Management

  • Most drugs alter the level of neurotransmitters, which are the key chemicals in the brain. Neurotransmitters allow the brain cells to communicate and can lead to mental health conditions when they are hyperactive or weak.

  • Your psychiatrist will inform you of when to take the prescribed medications. Depending on the drug, you may be instructed to take it with food or on an empty stomach in the morning, afternoon, or evening or multiple times throughout the day.

  • Yes, all medications, including those used for mental health disorders, have side effects. Rest assured, your psychiatrist will educate you on them when prescribing your drugs and ask you to keep them updated on any side effects that you may experience.

  • Some patients only need to take medication for a few weeks or a few months. In some cases, taking it long-term as a lifelong plan may make sense to help you manage your symptoms. Taking medication for years may be the right path for you.

 

Schedule Your Medication Management Appointment at Family Psychiatry in Bellevue & Seattle

If you’re wondering whether you can benefit from medication management for your mental health condition, you owe it to yourself to schedule an initial appointment at Family Psychiatry. Our psychiatrists are here for you - reach out today.