Managing medications
depression, low mood
TRANSITION
Many phase 2 participants indicated feeling confident in managing their medications, whether for their chronic health condition, mental health condition or both, which aligns with the high phase 1 median TRAQ subscale score of 4.00 (see Figure Joint Display of TRAQ managing medications subscale results. IQR, interquartile range; TRAQ, Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire.First, participants described how certain mental health symptoms (e.g., low mood, lack of motivation, inability to focus) affected their capacity to fill prescriptions and independently adhere to medication regimens. Next, two youths described the negative effects of their medications on their mental health, and the specific side effects they observed, including nightmares, withdrawal and depression resulting in the exacerbation of existing mental health symptoms. In addition, several of the youth were prescribed medications (e.g., antidepressants, antianxiety medications) for the management of their mental health, indicating a daily treatment regimen consisting of multiple medications. Taken together, these points reveal the active steps taken by this group to take ownership of medication management in preparation for adult care, while illuminating the complexities they experience regarding treatment regimens and side effects.