The experience of adult women with schizophrenia who take second generation antipsychotics

Abstract

A gap in the scientific literature exists regarding the concerns of adult women about taking second generation antipsychotics (SGA). No research existed that represented the exclusive experience of women who take SGA. A qualitative study of the experience of adult women between the ages of 19-44 with the diagnosis of schizophrenia was conducted. Participants were recruited through the distribution of flyers by physicians at two mental health centers in the Northwest. One participant contacted the interviewer by phone and an interview was completed in a private setting. The interview was transcribed and analyzed using Luborsky's method for thematic analysis (1994). Topics and patterns were identified and then subsequently compared with the Health Promotion Model (Pender, Murdaugh & Parsons, 2011). Topics included: a) getting to know the illness, b) experiencing the effects of medications, c) appreciating the therapeutic effects of medications, d) feeling irritated with the illness, and e) learning how to manage the illness. Difficulties with recruitment indicate a need for further study to determine the best way to access this unique population.