Discussion 1 Wk 2 Socw 6443 Neurobiology Client Presentation

Discussion 1 Wk 2 Socw 6443 Neurobiology Client Presentation And Ph

Developing appropriate pharmacological treatment plans requires medical and mental health professionals to consider all potential factors that may be contributing to the client’s psychopathology. Contributing factors may include family history of mental illness (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2010), personal history, life circumstances, and drug abuse. Additionally, neurotransmitter malfunctions (genetic or self-induced) may manifest as diagnosable mental illnesses. Mental health care teams (e.g., counselors, medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and support teams) need to consider all these factors in diagnosing and treating psychopathology.

In the case of Suzy, a comprehensive understanding of her neurobiological functioning is essential in informing effective pharmacological interventions. Based on the neurological and psychological data, a combination of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications could be appropriate. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline or fluoxetine, are commonly prescribed to address depressive symptoms and co-occurring anxiety disorders owing to their efficacy in increasing serotonin levels, which are often deficient in depressive and anxious individuals (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2017). These medications work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin at the synaptic cleft, thereby enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission, which is closely linked to mood regulation and anxiety reduction (Lichtblau, 2011).

The neurobiological considerations informing this recommendation include Suzy’s possible serotonin dysregulation, as evidenced by her symptoms. Neuroimaging and neurochemical research reveal that serotonergic dysfunction is central to mood and anxiety disorders (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2017). Antidepressants like SSRIs help recalibrate this neurochemical imbalance, which correlates with symptom improvement. Additionally, considering her sleep disturbances, medications such as trazodone or low-dose mirtazapine might be useful, given their sedative properties, as sleep regulation is often disrupted in depressive and anxiety disorders (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2014).

However, pharmacological treatment has limitations. SSRIs may cause side effects like gastrointestinal upset, sexual dysfunction, or increased anxiety during initial treatment phases (Lichtblau, 2011). Not all patients respond favorably, and some may experience treatment-resistant symptoms, necessitating augmentation strategies or combination therapies that could increase complexity and risk of adverse effects. Moreover, medication alone is insufficient without concurrent psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which addresses underlying cognitive distortions and behaviors (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2017).

Furthermore, considering neurobiological factors, it is essential to evaluate genetic predispositions, neurotransmitter receptor sensitivities, and possible neuroinflammatory processes that might influence drug response (Meyer et al., 2019). Personalized medicine approaches, including pharmacogenetic testing, can optimize treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects (O’Neal & Preston, 2017). Despite advancements, limitations remain in fully understanding the individual neurobiology of mental illnesses and translating findings into precise treatments.

References

• Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
• Meyer, J. H., Wilson, A. A., Jazwinski, S., & Meyer, M. (2019). Neuroinflammation and neuropsychopharmacology: Implications for personalized treatment. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 123.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2014). Brain basics: Understanding sleep. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-overview-sleep
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Mental health medications: Overview. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/medications/index.shtml
• O’Neal, J. H., & Preston, J. D. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
• Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
• Meyer, J. H., Wilson, A. A., Jazwinski, S., & Meyer, M. (2019). Neuroinflammation and neuropsychopharmacology: Implications for personalized treatment. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 123.