Assignment
Write a 10-11 page essay discussing pharmacological treatment interventions for a specific mental health disorder. Use the readings from previous units and at least three academic sources from the Library.
Use the format of diagnosing found in Diagnosing Mental Health Disorders.
Your paper should synthesize the readings you have completed so far that apply to the topic and should reflect how this synthesis will help you apply what you are learning to your own work in the profession.
Read the following case study:
Lourdes is a 34-year-old, married, mother of two, who was brought into the emergency room due to an overdose from oxycontin. Lourdes was found unconscious in her cubicle at work and rushed to the hospital via ambulance. Lourdes works in an insurance company as a claim’s processor. 3 years ago, shortly after the birth of her second child, she suffered post-partum hemorrhaging due to uterine rupture at birth. This resulted in an emergency hysterectomy and spending several days in the hospital. She was prescribed oxycodone for 2 weeks post-surgery. Since that time, Lourdes has complained of pain and has visited several doctors to assess the cause of her pain. She has had several tests including a laparoscopic procedure and the doctors have found no cause for continued discomfort.
6 months ago, her current doctor stopped prescribing Lourdes oxycodone and referred her to a local rehab center out of concern that she had developed a “dependency” on her pain killers. Lourdes denied a problem but continued to complain of pain. She has found that she can purchase her medications online and has been treating herself.
At the hospital, Lourdes’ husband explained that they were no longer sleeping together. At home, Lourdes does not play with the kids, and she has not spoken to her parents in months. She is withdrawn, irritable and tends to fall asleep on the couch every night. On more than one occasion, Lourdes had mentioned that her family would be better off if she were dead. The attending physician noted that Lourdes is underweight and has sluggish bowel sounds. He is concerned that the over-use of opiates has slowed her digestion and she may have created narcotic bowel syndrome which could account for some of her pain.
Your essay should include the following:
Diagnose the mental health issue(s) in the case study.
Select and explain your pharmacological treatment approach including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug(s) you choose.
Include any possible short and long-term side effects of the treatment(s) as well as the necessary referrals.
Describe how your treatment approach will alter brain chemistry and influence behavior.
Provide a detailed plan of how the integrated treatment team will address the needs of the client and justify the model of intervention.
