Bipolar Disorders

WK 4 SOCW 6443 Discussion 2: Psychopharmacological Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorders

Clients with bipolar disorder struggle to lead a normal life. Since many of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder have similar functions and effects, a psychiatrist might prescribe a variety of medications as part of the client’s overall treatment plan. Mental health professionals play a pivotal role in consistently monitoring and ensuring that the recommended psychopharmacological treatments are effective in ameliorating the client’s symptoms. Having a thorough knowledge of the adverse effects associated with psychopharmacological interventions prepares mental health professionals to advocate for alternative approaches when treating clients with bipolar disorder.

For this Discussion, review the medication selection for your hypothetical case study from this week’s Discussion 1 provided in resources. As you review the medication you selected, consider its function, side effects, and other pertinent information. Analyze additional psychopharmacological treatment options for bipolar disorders. Select a different anticonvulsant/mood-stabilizing medication than the one you previously selected (other than lithium) that a psychiatrist might prescribe to treat bipolar disorders.

300 to 500 words not including the questions. Questions in bold then answers.APA 7th addition format

Post an explanation of the effects of the medication you selected in treating bipolar disorder. 

Next, explain the potential side effects of the medication you selected and the potential side effects of lithium. 

Then, explain how mental health professionals monitor clients for adverse effects associated with the selected medication and lithium.

In light of adverse effects, explain when and how a mental health professional might advocate for a client to consult with his or her psychiatrist. 

Provide a specific example.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Resources

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

Chapter 3, “Pharmacotherapy of Bipolar Disorder” (pp. 37–47)

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

Chapter 8, “Bipolar Disorders” (pp. 95-106)

Chapter 17, “Bipolar Medications” (pp. 201-216)

National Institute of Mental Health. (2015). Gipolar disorder Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml

Here are 2 DSM-5 But you will have to put the full references:

hypothetical case study from this week’s Discussion 1

Alec Lightwood is a 20-year-old who withdrew from university after experiencing a manic episode in which he was brought to the attention of the counselor. Alec was a medical student and had increasingly reduced his sleep schedule, spending his hours with his classmates discussing the nature of the human body. He was convinced that his ideas were important, frequently suggesting that he was more learned and advanced than the majority of his professors. Alec frequently told his peers that he was on the verge of revolutionizing his new field and grew increasingly irritable and intolerant of anyone who disagreed with his idea. He started engaging in extremely risky behaviors such as drinking and engaging in sexual relations in a way that was different from his history. Alec was diagnosed with a DSM-5 bipolar disorder with an ICD-10 code of F31.3 (Preston, O’Neal, Talaga, 2017). At the current time he has returned to his parents’ home and placed on a mood stabilizer after a short period on antipsychotic, his current psychiatrist was requesting adjunctive psychotherapy for his bipolar disorder. Alec’s patient was surprised by the diagnosis since he previously dealt with anxiety, withdrawals, and depression in his adolescent years. Alec exhibited the following symptoms use of alcohol, depression, elevation of mood, impulsivity, irritability, manic episodes, and risky behaviors.

Treatments

The treatment that a psychiatrist might prescribe to Alec is mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, cognitive therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and systematic care for bipolar disorder. The psychiatrist may also advocate for psycho education for bipolar disorder (Preston, O’Neal, Talaga, 2017).

The role of mental health professionals in treatment cases for bipolar disorder is to diagnose and treat people suffering from bipolar. The mental health professionals are also in charge of observing the patient’s reaction to the given medication and treatment to ensure they are successful in the treatment.

References

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