Identifying Psycho-Ethical Challenges in Patients Undergoing Treatment With Psychotropic Medications: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the psycho-ethical challenges experienced by patients undergoing treatment with psychotropic medications. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 participants receiving treatment in Tehran. Purposeful sampling continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using NVivo software through open, axial, and selective coding. The results were categorized into three main themes: ethical conflicts related to medication use, psychological challenges arising from treatment, and semantic and cultural challenges of treatment. Patients experienced ethical doubts, fears of dependency and identity changes, social pressures, mood fluctuations, identity crises, psychological dependency, and social isolation. Cultural and religious influences played a significant role in shaping patients’ attitudes toward pharmacological treatment. The study demonstrated that pharmacological treatment of mental disorders extends beyond biological dimensions, encompassing complex psycho-ethical and cultural challenges. Addressing these aspects can enhance the quality of mental health care, improve patient cooperation, and facilitate the design of effective supportive interventions.