Meetings with a psychiatrist about medications can be experiences that leave a person feeling powerless. In a brief meeting with a doctor who may or may not be well-versed on a patient's history, powerful drugs usually are prescribed. Patients are expected to be compliant and passive. Patricia Deegan has developed strategies to make meetings less disempowering.

The first strategy is to think differently about medication. Recovery is hard work, and patients have to do more than just take the medications. They can use healing tools such as exercise, prayer, and other coping strategies besides the medications. Another part of the work process is taking medications responsibly in a planned manner with knowledge about side effects. Also, people need to get past the moral issue about whether medications are a sign of weakness. The goal is to be the best person possible.

The second strategy is to think differently about yourself. The patient knows more about his or her self than the psychiatrist every will. Part of recovery is trusting yourself again, so give yourself credit for each step of recovery. Another strategy is to think differently about psychiatrists. Most are too busy for their own good and can have conflicting interests, especially if they are working for managed care companies that may require them to prescribe certain medications. They also are not experts on everything and may not be open to hearing about spiritual experiences. Know that part of personal power is recognizing what you want to share with a psychiatrist and what you don't want to share.

A fourth strategy is being prepared for the medication meeting. Know what you want to achieve and talk about it before the meeting. Be organized and specific. Have written questions if needed and practice what you are going to say in advance. The last strategy that Deegan recommended was to take charge of the meeting by bringing paper and pen to write down notes or tape record if necessary. Announce what you want to accomplish and assure the psychiatrist he or she can have time to talk, too. Bring a friend or advocate, too. Contact the National Empowerment Center at (800) POWER2U or write 599 Canal Street, Lawrence, MA 01840. See reports at Web site

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Deegan, P. (1999). Reclaiming your power during medication appointments with your psychiatrist. National Empowerment Center.

Keyword: Empowerment