Homework
Imagine that you have been seeing a client for 4 months. During treatment, you learn that he has been 5 years sober but lately has felt an intense sense of anxiety and has requested a referral to a psychiatrist. Upon returning to his counseling sessions, you learn that the psychiatrist has prescribed diazepam, a benzodiazepine. You are aware of the fact that the benzodiazepine functions similarly to alcohol in the body. You are concerned about a relapse because of this newly prescribed medication for the anxiety disorder.
Sometimes the medication a doctor chooses to treat a client's symptoms is ineffective or inappropriate, or it may not create the desired effect without intolerable side effects. Under what circumstances does it become necessary for a mental health professional to advocate for an alternative treatment for a client? What ethical issues associated with client treatment would mental health professionals need to address? Why would a release of information be needed?
For this Homework, view the media case study titled "Anxiety Disorder Case Study: Mary."Assume the role of a mental health professional to respond to the client call. Review the medication that the psychiatrist prescribed and explain the expected effects and side effects of its use. Plan a treatment strategy.
In a 2.5, APA-formatted paper, include the following:
1) An explanation of any concerns, ethical or otherwise, you may have regarding the client's generalized anxiety disorder treatment
2) An explanation of the factors you would take into consideration in developing a strategy to treat the client's generalized anxiety disorder
3) An explanation of a treatment strategy for the client's generalized anxiety disorder along with a justification for your strategy
4) An explanation of how you would advocate for your treatment strategy
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
a. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
b. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
c. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
Chapter 6, "Anxiolytic-Sedative-Hypnotic Drug Pharmacotherapy" (pp. 77-84)
Preston, J. D., O'Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
Chapter 9, "Anxiety Disorders" (pp. 107-122)
Chapter 18, "Antianxiety Medication" (pp. 217-226)
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA, American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
Use the DSM-5 to guide you through your understanding of the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Highlights of changes from DSM IV-TR to DSM-5.
As you review this document, consider the changes to the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders.