Discussion 2 WK 3 SOCW 6443: The Role of Mental Health Professionals in the Initial Stages of Psychopharmacological Intervention

In the initial stages of psychopharmacological intervention, mental health professionals must be aware that complications or concerns can arise. Clients may experience negative side effects of the medication. They might forget or avoid taking the medication. The disorder may have been misdiagnosed and cause other issues. The client may have preexisting conditions that other medical professionals had not known when the diagnosis was made. The client could have had a comorbid condition that they did not disclose. In short, a number of very serious issues might manifest in the early stages of treatment requiring action on the part of the mental health professional.

Use DSM-5 questions in bold answers after 300 to 500 words

post to the Depression Case Study for Marcus.

For your initial post analyze the case, determine the psychopathology presented and describe the appropriate treatment methods for the client.

Post an explanation of the major symptoms that indicate depression and the medications that might be prescribed to treat these symptoms for the case study you selected.

Next, explain a mental health professional’s role in raising the client’s awareness of medication-related effects.

Then, explain two potential challenges that might impact the client in the initial stages of psychopharmacological intervention.

Finally, explain one strategy a mental health professional might use to address challenges that arise in the initial stages of treatment.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources. 7th addition APA format in text citations and full references

Resources

Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.

Chapter 2, “Pharmacotherapy of Depression” (pp. 21–34)

Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Chapter 7, “Depressive Disorders” (pp. 77-93)

Chapter 16, “Antidepressant Medications” (pp.175-200)

Appendix C, “Psychotropic Drug Interactions (pp. 293-308)

Use the DSM-5 to guide you through your understanding of the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.

National Institute of Mental Health (2016) Antidepressant medication for children and adolescent: information for parents and caregivers. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medication/index.shtml

Spiegel, A. (2012, January 23). When it comes to depression, serotonin isn’t the whole story. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/01/23/145525853/when-it-comes-to-depression-serotonin-isnt-the-whole-story/

Depression Case Studies

Marcus

Marcus is a 31-year-old Caucasian law student. He feels “worn out, burned out, and

busted.” He has no girlfriend or boyfriend, yet he has dated in the past. Although

Marcus’s studies keep him occupied, he finds himself wondering if all of his efforts are

worth the coming payoff. He will be taking the bar exam soon—he is fairly sure he will

pass it.

Lately, Marcus has been “slipping back into some old patterns of thinking and acting.” In

the past, he has battled major depressive disorder and believes that he may be

becoming depressed again. Marcus quickly counts off his symptoms: sleep loss, weight

loss, a sense that everything is devoid of joy or excitement, and so forth. His choice to

come to counseling was precipitated by an increase in the frequency of using club drugs

like ecstasy and cocaine “to have at least a little fun.” Marcus uses these now about

once every 2 weeks. He notes that his last “bout” of depression happened around a

time when he was using these substances frequently.