From Pills to Practices: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Medication Experience and Self-Management in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterized by delayed onset, high relapse rates, and significant disability, ranks among the top 20 contributors to the global burden of disease and poses a substantial public health challenge. Effective self-management is crucial for the recovery of individuals with schizophrenia, with medication experience playing a vital role. However, the underlying mechanisms and logical relationships remain elusive, hindering the development of effective self-management and enhancement strategies from the perspective of medication experience. This research aimed to illuminate these aspects by conducting semi-structured interviews to delve into the impacts of medication experience on self-management behaviors among individuals with schizophrenia. The goal was to elucidate the role of medication in self-management and to identify potential barriers and facilitators via patient narratives. We employed interpretive phenomenological analysis to examine interview transcripts from 12 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia. This analysis yielded three superordinate themes: “Medicine isn’t just medicine,” “Experience is a catalyst for action,” and “Action shaped by experience.” We discuss these themes in the context of existing literature and theoretical frameworks and propose specific recommendations, such as motivational interviewing for clinicians, tailored psycho-educational programs, and supportive systems respecting patient autonomy. This study offers a contextual understanding of the medication experience for individuals with schizophrenia, enhancing our knowledge of self-management behaviors and how they can be promoted in this population.