Discussion Post: The Benefits And Limitations Of Antidepressant Medications
While antidepressants can be effective, clients might be hesitant to use them for a variety of reasons. Mental health professionals can anticipate some of these hesitations and be prepared to support a physician's recommendation by providing the client with appropriate information, reasoning, and explanation in a way that is meaningful. However, mental health professionals must balance advocacy for continuing treatment when client hesitations and other considerations might warrant a reevaluation by the psychiatrist.
For this Discussion, consider the medications (even controversial medications) that a psychiatrist may prescribe for depression and their possible side effects.
Select one particular antidepressant that evidence suggests is effective in treating depression and consider the benefits and limitations.
Consider how a client being medically treated for depression might react to taking this medication and having potential negative side effects.
How might you as a mental health professional support the recommendation of the medication despite its limitations?
Post a brief description of the antidepressant medication that you selected and explain its benefits and limitations (including neurobiological considerations).
Next, explain how you would support the psychiatrist's recommendation to use the medication to a hesitant client despite its limitations.
The response should include a reference list. Using double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.