[Adverse effects of psychotropic drugs : when and how to talk to patients ?].

The way the potential adverse effects are presented during the introduction of a new medication in the context of psychiatric care can be decisive for subsequent care. This issue is approached from the testimonies of patients who have received multiple treatments over a long period of time and by several therapists. After describing the main adverse effects of psychotropic drugs, this article proposes a method to help patients documenting the adverse effects they experienced, in a way which should improve the dialogue with their therapists.