...Psychotropic Drugs Aren’t the Answer Johnathan Thomas COM/155 September 18, 2013 JEANNE HUFFMAN Abstract According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 17 million adult Americans suffer from depression during any 1-year period. Depression is a real illness and carries with it a high cost in terms of relationship problems, family suffering and lost work productivity. Yet, depression is a highly treatable illness. There are many types of effective therapy available. Three of the more common methods used in depression treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Often, a blended approach is used. Life style changes can prevent and treat depression with proper exercise, nutrition, sleep, social support and stress reduction. Once depression takes hold there are common measures used to combat it, psychotherapy and medications. Having said that, medications without psychotherapy, is as useless as a screen door on a submarine. Psychotropic Drugs Aren’t the Answer Medications can be harmful. Medication is an important part of the therapy process for some individuals, however, psychotropic medications (like all drugs), do not come without potential risks or side effects. Physical side effects from medication may include, but are not limited to, dizziness, drowsiness, changes in appetite, sleep disturbance, and/or weight gain. Side effects can also be emotional/psychological...
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...Psychotropic drugs are a serious issue in the foster care system in America. As the need for more medication for adolescents affected by psychological disorders and behavioral issues increases the government provides an additional excess in psychotropic drugs for proper dosage. In light of this, the foster system tends to overdose hyperactive or poorly behaved children in order to control their erratic mood swings and behaviors. These children are prescribed these drugs because they were likely treated improperly and now suffer with psychological issues. In most cases it is evident that the most misbehaved children are the ones who tend to be prescribed a surplus of these medications because prescribers believe that more medication implements more control over the child and their behaviors. Policies have been implemented...
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...investigation on children in foster care that had been prescribed powerful psychiatric medications. These medications were given four times the rate of other children. Concerns have been on the rise for children that are given “psychotropic medications”. Primarily the concern is high for those children in foster care, and who receive Medicaid, because they are in a system that has lost structure of the importance of the health and welfare of children and adolescence. Also because foster children are more likely to have more emotional and social issues, and need treatment to include psychiatric medication. Psychotropic medications are those that affect the nervous system and produce many changes in behavior or awareness. These medications can be given in the form of a tranquilizer, sedative or antidepressant. Changes should be made to prevent how children receive medications, to deter overdosing and complications from misdiagnosing the child’s illness. The effect that psychiatric drugs have on children can be sometimes upsetting. Psychiatric or psychotropic medications are used to help children with behavioral impairment. Changes should be made that will benefit children in situations as mentioned. Not only in foster care but any child that is prescribed psychiatric (psychotropic) medications. Implementing change that will assure children are prescribe the right mediations, and are given the medication according to their treatment plan, to ensure the safety of those affected by misdiagnosis...
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...Depression Paper Kathi J Peacock October 28, 2015 PSY/270 Dean Marzofka There are two kinds of mood disorders that share a part of the same name. The first is unipolar. It deals with depression in varying states. It could be feeling sad for a little while or it could be overpowering and make one feel like there is so hope or feel extremely sad. This is a mood disorder pattern and it is the only disorder in that pattern. When their depression is over they can go make to a normal life. It can be for a day or a few days but is manageable. The next mood disorder is bipolar. It deals with mania as well as depression. When a person is in a mania mood they can be very destructive. They can destroy finances and make unwise decisions that can also destroy the family. They believe that nothing can touch them. When they destroy finances it is like they cannot understand that there is repercussions to their actions as if there is no limit to spending money. They can even feel like they are not doing wrong. Everything will be okay even after the dust settles. Or in other words when they crash after an episode. Then they will plunge into depression and wonder how they could have done this. They will believe that they should not even be here to destroy any longer. Being bipolar you can be sad one minute and before that minute is up can be manic. I firmly believe I have been bipolar all of my life. I was officially diagnosed with it and other mental diagnoses’ several years ago...
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...experienced by individuals with bipolar disorder. Those who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder have experiences with both episodes of major depression and mania (Gazzaniga & Heatherton, 2005). Manic episodes are categorized as having elevated moods, increased activity, and diminished need for sleep, grandiose ideas, racing thoughts, and extreme distractibility. During these episodes, there are often excessive involvement in pleasurable but foolish activities such as sexual indiscretions, buying sprees, and risky business ventures. The individual usually regrets these situations once the mania is over. Not everyone necessarily experiences these extreme episodes, as others may suffer less extreme examples of mood elevations, known as hypomanic episodes. They are often categorized as heightened creativity, productivity, and can be extremely pleasurable and rewarding. People experiencing these symptoms are known as to have a Bipolar II diagnosis, whereas people with extreme depression and manic episodes, as mentioned before, are known to have a Bipolar I diagnosis. There is a third category, however, which is known as cyclothymia. The individual with this type of bipolar disorder experiences hypomania and mild depression (Gazzaniga & Heatherton, 2005). Bipolar disorder is much less common than depression. In addition, whereas depression is more common in women, the prevalence of bipolar disorder is equal...
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...solution for depression. It also is known to limit the effectiveness of prescription medications that are used for depression and combining this herb with antidepressants can lead to a serious increase of serotonin. There is no proof that this herbal supplement works, but there have been studies that verify antidepressants do work for a person suffering with depression. Ginkgo biloba is widely used for a variety of conditions, but it’s best known use is for the enhancement of memory. As the NCCIH states, this herbal supplement is taken for dementia, eye problems, intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing arteries), tinnitus, and other health issues. The studies conducted have established that Ginkgo biloba does not live up to its name and is deemed not helpful for any health...
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...interferes with functioning or development. Merriam Webster defines medication as a substance used for medical treatment, especially a medicine or drug. Consequently psychotropic medication is defined as any medication capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior. Some medications such as lithium, which may be used to treat depression, are psychotropic. Also called a psychodynamic medication. When ADHD and medication are paired together the results can be amazing. However for every action there is a reaction. This reaction can sometimes overshadow the good that has been done. The trend of hidden dangers of ADHD medication, the effects of taking ADHD medication and making the right choices for your family. The hidden dangers of taking ADHD medication are discussed very often. The Harvard Medical School has stated that “Medications — chiefly the stimulants dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate — are the only proven treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with its symptoms of distractibility, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. But the benefits of stimulants last only as long as patients continue to take them, and worries about the risks of long-term use are again in the news (Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publications, para 1). There have been countless studies on the effects of taking stimulants to treat ADHD. These studies are used as a guide to picking the right medication and what to expect when taking these stimulants used to treat ADHD...
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...of Alzheimer’s disease but as of today there is no known cure for the disease. Most treatment options include drug therapy and non-drug approaches such as behavioral and environmental modifications. Cognitive enhancers are medications that attempt to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. According to Esther Heerema MSW (Alzheimer’s Dementia Expert) two classes of medication have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s. They are Cholinesterase Inhibitors and N-Methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) Antagonists. (http://alzheimers.about.com/od/treatmentofalzheimers/a/Treatment-Of-Alzheimers-Disease.htm) Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger important for learning and memory. This supports communication among nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels high. Researchers have found lower levels of acetylcholine in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. They delay worsening of symptoms for 6 to 12 months, on average, for about half the people who take them. If side effects occur, they commonly include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements. There are three Cholinesterase inhibitors medications: Donepezil (Aricept) is approved to treat all stages of Alzheimer's. Rivastigmine (Exelon) is approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Galantamine (Razadyne) is approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's. N-Methyl...
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...ki n g Ma th y al He c es h oi C ve ha s. we tion Op A GUIDE ON PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS FOR YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE Learn more to decide what’s best for you. http://www.nrcyd.ou.edu/psych-med-youth-guide a Making Healthy Choices: A Guide on Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Foster Care 2012 The contents of this guide are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. DOING WHAT YOU CAN TO FEEL YOUR BEST Everyone can benefit from learning what to do to be healthy. Young people in foster care have a lot of stressful things to deal with in their lives. Often they hurt a lot inside. Sometimes their coping skills are overwhelmed. They may need extra help in figuring out how to handle their feelings and improve their health. Teens who are sad or angry may feel better if they talk to someone they trust, do a favorite hobby, or exercise or play sports. Youth who feel really bad or act in unexpected ways often need help and support from other people. Sometimes, they need therapy and/or medication that can help them control their emotions and behaviors. When you’re hurt, there are often several things you can do to feel better. Imagine you fall and hurt your ankle—you can take a pain reliever, avoid walking on it, and/or apply ice. In the same way, when you hurt a lot inside, you can take medication, avoid activities that make the condition worse, and/or look for positive activities that...
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...Depression and suicide attempts were observed among the patient who took this drug. It became clear that reserpine somehow causes depression. Subsequently, it was found that the drug reduces the amount of the same neurotransmitter in brain, noradrenalin, serotonin and dopamine. On the basis of these and other researches, their theory of depression is associated with suppression of certain synapses in the brain was created. This theory is used now days and the treatment effects of almost all modern antidepressant are based on it. Later a myriad of other drugs appeared. These drugs have changed the living of people with mental health problems in a better...
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...The first nursing intervention for this nursing diagnosis is to give “permission” to express and deal with anger at the situation in acceptable ways. Being free to express anger appropriately allows it to be dissipated, so underlying feelings can be identified and dealt with. Thus, strengthening the patient’s coping skills (Doenges, 2016, pg. 635). The second nursing intervention for this nursing diagnosis is to discuss the use of psychotropic medication. Notably, medication may be used to decrease anxiety, lift mood, aid in the management of behavior, and ensure rest until the patient regains control of own self. Lithium may be used to reduce explosiveness; low-dose psychotropics may be used when loss of contact with reality is a problem (Doenges, 2016, pg. 636). These nursing interventions can be properly evaluated by the patient expressing his own feelings and reactions during the nurse’s shift. The patient and family should be inculcated about the potential side effects of all prescribed drugs and the importance of reporting any adverse effects. The patient should also be guided on the support groups, community resources, and counseling services that are available to the...
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...articles nature publishing group Intervention and Prevention Behavioral and Psychological Care in Weight Loss Surgery: Best Practice Update Isaac Greenberg1, Stephanie Sogg2 and Frank M. Perna3 The objective of this study is to update evidence-based best practice guidelines for psychological evaluation and treatment of weight loss surgery (WLS) patients. We performed a systematic search of English-language literature on WLS and mental health, quality of life, and behavior modification published between April 2004 and May 2007 in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Key words were used to narrow the search for a selective review of abstracts, retrieval of full articles, and grading of evidence according to systems used in established evidence-based models. Our literature search identified 17 articles of interest; 13 of the most relevant were reviewed in detail. From these, we developed evidence-based best practice recommendations on the psychological assessment and treatment of WLS patients. Regular updates of evidence-based recommendations for best practices in psychological care are required to address the impact of mental health on short- and long-term outcomes after WLS. Key factors in patient safety include comprehensive preoperative evaluation, use of appropriate and reliable evaluation instruments, and the development of short- and long-term treatment plans. Obesity (2009) 17, 880–884. doi:10.1038/oby.2008.571 Introduction Evidence-based best practice...
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...Name: Course: Lecturer: Date: Mental Disorders Mental disorders have become remarkably common in the modern day world. They have become common to the extent that some people fail to know that they have mental disorders. Other people tend to cover it up, when they understand that they have mental disorders. Mental disorders have existed in the world for many years. However, the understanding of mental disorders has been improving as new medical technologies, diagnosis, testing and interventions continue to be discovered. Mental disorders refer to health conditions that interfere with a person’s thinking, mood, feeling and ability to relate to other people, in his or her daily functioning. They are psychological patterns that are reflected in people’s behaviours that are considered as abnormal development. Mental disorders are health conditions that cause diminished capacity for copying with basic demands of life. The causes of mental disorders vary from person to person. The causes depend on varied factors that are related to specific disorders, social issues and environmental issues. Mental disorders are usually caused by combinations of biological, genetic and environmental factors. The use of substances and drugs can also play a role in causing mental illnesses (Farrell and Solomon 4). There are different types of illnesses that are considered as mental disorders. Anxiety disorders are manifested in severe anxiety and fear that are associated with certain...
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...Mental illness is a range of mental health condition disorders that affect your mood and behaviour. Depression is a sign of weakness and change in mood that requires medical condition in emotional, physical, and behavioural symptoms you can and should be treated. Types of Depression is Major Depressive Disorder which is most common if people feel sad, hopeless, and lacks focus in their life. Seasonal Depression also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD that is common between the seasons of fall and spring. Postpartum Depression is only in women and is common during the women’s hormone level, after the birth of her child. Bereavement Depression is common after grieving of a loss and often takes weeks, months, or years to recover but,...
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...behaviors, and the way they process thoughts. Some examples of common mental health conditions are depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, addictions, and the list goes on. It can be a daily struggle for adults with these conditions to get out of bed and function in society without the proper help or treatment. An adult with some life experience may notice a change in their own behavior, or take notice to feelings of anxiety and depression. Perhaps with medical resources they are even able to seek and receive services to get help. Imagine how terrifying it must be to experience feelings or suffer from a disorder and not be able to effectively communicate how you feel or to be able to ask for help. This is what many young children experience when they develop and suffer from mental health conditions. "An estimated 15 million of our nation's young people can currently be diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Many more are at risk of developing a disorder due to risk factors in their biology or genetics; within their families, schools, and communities; and among their peers" (American Psychological Association, 2013) Some common conditions that young children may suffer from are disruptive behavior disorders, elimination disorders (troubles with bath-rooming), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and a variety of mood disorders. Just like adults, kids also suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, and even eating disorders. If these disorders are left untreated it can...
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