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.

 

References (use 2 or more)

 

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

 

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

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

National Institute of Mental Health. (2008). Introduction: Mental health medications. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/index.shtml

As you review this website, consider the variety of medications used for mental health treatment.

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