The purpose of this study was to explore and identify the side-effect experience of schizophrenia patients taking psychotropics. This study was a qualitative research involving the use of the phenomenological method. Data were collected by means of intensive interviews eliciting the experiences of 1...
The purpose of this study was to explore and identify the side-effect experience of schizophrenia patients taking psychotropics. This study was a qualitative research involving the use of the phenomenological method. Data were collected by means of intensive interviews eliciting the experiences of 10 schizophrenia patients who were being treated at a mental hospital located in S-si, Jeollanam-do. Before the interviews, the researcher obtained informed consent from the participants who had suffered from drug-related side effects of psychotropics. The interviews were conducted using an unstructured interview guide so that the participants could freely talk about their experiences. They were asked the following question: “Please tell me about your experiences concerning the drug-related side effects of psychotropics pills.” All the interviews were recorded and transcribed.
In order to analyze the data, a modified version of Giorgi’s phenomenological method was used.
The analysis of the results revealed six major themes along with relevant subthemes, with regard to the side effects of psychotropics.
1) Intolerable, severe physical side effects
The participants reported suffering from conditions such as dry mouth,
hand tremors, difficulty of activity daily living, body rigidity, severe chronic constipation, drowsiness, aphasia, excessive weight gain, dizziness, vision decline, urinary difficulty, excessive saliva secretion, itching sensation on the skin, amenorrhea, and milk secretion.
2) Pitiful, terrible psychological pain
The participants reported feeling extremely miserable about themselves, feeling that they were “stupid,” feeling wretched about their lives, worrying about being more fool, feeling suicidal, feeling fearful about their life after discharge from the hospital, the pressure of drugs, feeling shameful, and feeling like they were an economic burden.
3) Severe emotional pain
The participants reported suffering from chronic anxiety in their daily life, depression, anger, guilt, and betrayal sense.
4) Negative coping with regard to taking drugs
The participants reported that they refused to take the drugs, responded negatively to taking medicines, and blamed their family or medical personnel.
5) Positive coping with regard to taking drugs
The participants reported that they responded positively with regard to overcoming the drug-related side effects, overcoming of spiritual, made constant efforts to take the drugs, recognized the necessity and importance of education, and believed and had faith in the medical personnel. They also reported that they had a general sense of acceptance of their condition and had a positive mental attitude, already being aware of the drug-related side effects.
6) Hope for recovery from drug-related side effects
The participants reported experiencing the desire to recover from the drug-related side effects.
In conclusion, the schizophrenia patients did experience psychotropics drug-related side effects, which involved various physical conditions as well as psychological and emotional experiences, and in some cases, pain. However, they recognized taking medicines as their companion that requires to escape from the side effects with having positive thinking for taking drugs. As a result, the researcher concluded that the patients were capable of living an independent life, of engaging in appropriate behavior, and of having hope for recovery.
We propose that it is necessary for schizophrenia patients to be educated about medication and that it is also necessary to help them distinguish drug-related side-effects from symptoms. Therefore, schizophrenia patients should undergo tailor-made nursing management intervention programs to enhance their understanding of drug-related side effects.
The purpose of this study was to explore and identify the side-effect experience of schizophrenia patients taking psychotropics. This study was a qualitative research involving the use of the phenomenological method. Data were collected by means of intensive interviews eliciting the experiences of 10 schizophrenia patients who were being treated at a mental hospital located in S-si, Jeollanam-do. Before the interviews, the researcher obtained informed consent from the participants who had suffered from drug-related side effects of psychotropics. The interviews were conducted using an unstructured interview guide so that the participants could freely talk about their experiences. They were asked the following question: “Please tell me about your experiences concerning the drug-related side effects of psychotropics pills.” All the interviews were recorded and transcribed.
In order to analyze the data, a modified version of Giorgi’s phenomenological method was used.
The analysis of the results revealed six major themes along with relevant subthemes, with regard to the side effects of psychotropics.
1) Intolerable, severe physical side effects
The participants reported suffering from conditions such as dry mouth,
hand tremors, difficulty of activity daily living, body rigidity, severe chronic constipation, drowsiness, aphasia, excessive weight gain, dizziness, vision decline, urinary difficulty, excessive saliva secretion, itching sensation on the skin, amenorrhea, and milk secretion.
2) Pitiful, terrible psychological pain
The participants reported feeling extremely miserable about themselves, feeling that they were “stupid,” feeling wretched about their lives, worrying about being more fool, feeling suicidal, feeling fearful about their life after discharge from the hospital, the pressure of drugs, feeling shameful, and feeling like they were an economic burden.
3) Severe emotional pain
The participants reported suffering from chronic anxiety in their daily life, depression, anger, guilt, and betrayal sense.
4) Negative coping with regard to taking drugs
The participants reported that they refused to take the drugs, responded negatively to taking medicines, and blamed their family or medical personnel.
5) Positive coping with regard to taking drugs
The participants reported that they responded positively with regard to overcoming the drug-related side effects, overcoming of spiritual, made constant efforts to take the drugs, recognized the necessity and importance of education, and believed and had faith in the medical personnel. They also reported that they had a general sense of acceptance of their condition and had a positive mental attitude, already being aware of the drug-related side effects.
6) Hope for recovery from drug-related side effects
The participants reported experiencing the desire to recover from the drug-related side effects.
In conclusion, the schizophrenia patients did experience psychotropics drug-related side effects, which involved various physical conditions as well as psychological and emotional experiences, and in some cases, pain. However, they recognized taking medicines as their companion that requires to escape from the side effects with having positive thinking for taking drugs. As a result, the researcher concluded that the patients were capable of living an independent life, of engaging in appropriate behavior, and of having hope for recovery.
We propose that it is necessary for schizophrenia patients to be educated about medication and that it is also necessary to help them distinguish drug-related side-effects from symptoms. Therefore, schizophrenia patients should undergo tailor-made nursing management intervention programs to enhance their understanding of drug-related side effects.
주제어
#Schizophrenias
#Psychotropics
#Drug-related side effects
#Experience
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