In this article we present the concept of autonomy applied to the field of mental health drawing on experiences of the implementation of the “Autonomous Medication Management Guide” in two different contexts: Brazil and Spain. Autonomous medication management proposes an understanding of autonomy that moves away from an individualistic view towards a social and collective perspective. This article highlights potential shifts and tensions and the possible effects of “autonomization” in the context of mental health care. In the Brazilian experience, we observed how this shift is produced from the place of power-knowledge typical of professional practice, while the Spanish experience shows how the adaptation of the tool derives from the necessary involvement of professionals, service users, families and social networks through a joint process of collective working and care.
Keywords
Autonomy; Psychotropics; Mental health; Autonomous medication management; Collaborative medication management