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

This article focuses on the relationship between medication experience and self-management behaviors in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis of interviews with 12 patients in northeastern China, the study identifies three main themes: medication as a source of pain, capacity, and addiction, which shape patients' attitudes and behaviors toward treatment. It highlights how personal experiences with medication—including side effects, stigma, and perceived efficacy—act as catalysts influencing self-management actions such as adherence, proactive coping, and communication with healthcare providers. The findings emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive, patient-centered interventions, including motivational interviewing and tailored psycho-education, to support medication adherence and enhance self-management in schizophrenia within the context of economic and social challenges.