The Effects of Psychotropic Medication
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Can you consider one of your clients who is currently taking a psychotropic medication (or more than one)? If you do not already know what the medication is can you make up a medication, its dosage, and how long the client has been taking it, and what your client's thoughts may be about taking the medication? Can you provide a brief description of the client (demographics, presenting issues/symptoms)? This can be a hypothetical client. In addition, can you consider the following points:
What were your client's symptoms before he or she started taking the medication?
What changes has he or she noticed since beginning the medication? This would include both a lessening of symptoms and/or any side effects.
Has he or she had any difficulty taking the medication as prescribed?
Next research this medication using your text, suggested readings, or other resources you may find. Answer the following questions:
What are the indications and contraindications for taking this medication?
What are the common side effects?
What are the consequences of abruptly stopping the medication once a person has been taking it?
Be sure to consider all of the points outlined above. In addition, add a section at the beginning to briefly describe your client (omitting all identifying information) and a section at the end outlining how you would address medication with this client.
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Solution Summary
This solution discusses a psychotropic treatment used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
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(1) What were your client's symptoms before he or she started taking the medication?
Mrs. Marcos is a 33-year old Filipino-American living in the United States. She and her husband are Philippine immigrants who moved to the states seeking employment. Mrs. Marcos has been having both physical and psychological difficulties. Recently. she was treated for a pain in her hip that she felt was the result of a fall she took while caring laundry. Mrs. Marcos was taking over the counter medications recommended by her doctor. But the pain has gotten worse preventing her from carrying out menial household duties. Now, Mrs Marcos has become very depressed, and presents with symptoms that suggests she has Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which a malfunction in the immune system causes the body to attack the joints. Joint disease is the most common cause of physical disability and the source of considerable psychological distress. The world Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50 million adults in the United States complained of joint pain in 2007, and 1.5 million people suffered from RA. Those living with the disease experience a painful condition that affects the bones In addition to pain, RA symptoms include swelling and stiffness; and have difficulty performing everyday tasks. According to Gariepy, Rossignol, & Lippman (2009) based on a typical population health survey subjects who report different types of arthritis, the symptoms are not dissimilar. In addition, "statistical testing have shown no difference between rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and another type of arthritis for physical activity level, health conditions, medication use, health care utilization and functional limitations" (pp. 10-11).
However, over time, RA may cause degeneration of the bones that make up the joints (Bawa, Shah, Kadia, & Lippman, 2014).). Psychotropic drug treatments have been identified to help ease inflammation and pain and slow down the progression of the disease. However, many of these treatments have adverse side effects. Initially, in the early stages of RA, doctors may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) designed to help ease inflammation and ease the pain. Some common brands include Advil, Motrin IB (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen). Research shows that while considered safe, NSAIDs may cause side effects when used on a ...
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