Discussion 1: Client Empowerment
The concept of empowerment has meaning and relevance in these times of growing inequality, diminishing resources, and increasing intergroup conflict. These problems might seem too large and pervasive, yet social workers effect social change in these areas one client at a time.
Sometimes that "client" is an entire community or population in need of empowering support and advocacy. The alleviation of oppression and discrimination for one client can change the experience for many others who are faced with the same plight. Social workers examine a client's identity characteristics or factors, in terms of social class, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and education.
Based on theories of empowerment, what influence might these characteristics or factors have on clients' senses of empowerment? Are there times when a social worker or the system might work against client empowerment? How might you assist your clients in recognizing their strengths, in order to empower them against the oppression and discrimination they might be facing?
For this Discussion, review this week's resources, including the Cortez case study. Consider Paula's situation. Consider the ways each professional may be supporting or stifling her empowerment. Select two of the professionals involved and consider how their approach compares or contrasts with social work values and ethics related to empowerment.
Then, consider how Paula's situation and the professionals involved might affect her personal empowerment. Finally, think about Paula's strengths and how you might help her to recognize and build them to improve her sense of empowerment.
· Post a brief description of the approach each of the professionals involved are using that may support or limit Paula's personal empowerment.
· Choose two professionals and explain how their approach either may or may not reflect social work values. Then, explain how Paula's personal empowerment might be impacted by the approaches chosen.
· Describe two social work skills you might use with Paula Cortez to overcome the presenting concerns she is facing in light of her current hospitalization and the professionals involved.
· Finally, identify the social work skills you would use with the rest of the treatment team.
Discussion 2: Bipolar Disorder and Anticonvulsant/Mood-Stabilizing Medications
Mental health professionals are aware of tendencies and respond to behaviors such as impulsivity in order to create treatment plans that are intended to prevent or ameliorate symptoms before lasting consequences occur.
Although mental health professionals should follow established protocols by attempting to have clients act on their own behalf, they should also understand that at any time they might need to intervene to support and assist these clients.
Select one of the following disorders treated with anticonvulsant/mood-stabilizing medications:
o Schizoaffective disorder
o Bipolar I disorder
o Bipolar II disorder
For this Discussion, review the Learning Resources and create a hypothetical case study of a client with the selected disorder. Include the client's age, gender, major presenting factors (including losses and symptom manifestation), when symptoms emerged, and any other pertinent information.
Consider possible medicinal treatments that a psychiatrist might prescribe for the hypothetical client and the role of the mental health professional in these treatment cases. Be creative in your description but also be as realistic as possible. Access the DSM-5 and other texts to construct the background story for your hypothetical client's presentation.
· Post your hypothetical client case study.
Discussion 3: 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. 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.
· 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.
Attachment:- The Cortez Family.rar