In the initial stages of psychopharmacological intervention, mental health professionals must be aware that complications or concerns can arise. Clients may experience negative side effects of the medication. They might forget or avoid taking the medication. The disorder may have been misdiagnosed and cause other issues. The client may have preexisting conditions that other medical professionals had not known when the diagnosis was made. The client could have had a comorbid condition that they did not disclose. In short, a number of very serious issues might manifest in the early stages of treatment requiring action on the part of the mental health professional.
Discussion 1
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. Use the Learning Resources and current literature to support your response.

Required Readings
• Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
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o Chapter 2, “Pharmacotherapy of Depression” (pp. 21–34)
• Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., Talaga, M. C., & Moore, B. A. (2021). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (9th ed.). New Harbinger.
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o Chapter 7, “Depressive Disorders” (pp. 36-43)
o Chapter 17, “Antidepressant Medications” (pp. 74-82)
o Appendix C, “Psychotropic Drug Interactions (pp. 111-112)
• American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.Links to an external site.Arlington, VA, American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
Use the DSM-5 to guide you through your understanding of the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Antidepressant medications for children and adolescents: Information for parents and caregivers.Links to an external site. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/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.Links to an external site. [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/01/23/145525853/when-it-comes-to-depression-serotonin-isnt-the-whole-story
As you review this blog, consider the information provided and how depression was treated in the past and how it is currently treated.
• Document: Depression Case Studies Download Depression Case Studies(PDF)
Select a case study from this document to complete this week’s Discussion 2
Discussion 2
Depression Case Studies
Marcus
Marcus is a 31-year-old Caucasian law student. He feels “worn out, burned out, and
busted.” He has no girlfriend or boyfriend, yet he has dated in the past. Although
Marcus’s studies keep him occupied, he finds himself wondering if all of his efforts are
worth the coming payoff. He will be taking the bar exam soon—he is fairly sure he will
pass it.
Lately, Marcus has been “slipping back into some old patterns of thinking and acting.” In
the past, he has battled major depressive disorder and believes that he may be
becoming depressed again. Marcus quickly counts off his symptoms: sleep loss, weight
loss, a sense that everything is devoid of joy or excitement, and so forth. His choice to
come to counseling was precipitated by an increase in the frequency of using club drugs
like ecstasy and cocaine “to have at least a little fun.” Marcus uses these now about
once every 2 weeks. He notes that his last “bout” of depression happened around a
time when he was using these substances frequently.