Homework: Letter of Recommendation
Part I
Be sure to review the Mock Form Letter (linked in Resources) prior to completing this homework, taking care to avoid making any of the errors shown in the letter.
Use the research you conducted on using SSRIs, specifically Celexa, to treat dysthymic disorder, and consider the following scenario:
As a psychologist or counselor you have determined that a client you are seeing has persistent depressive disorder and would likely benefit from an antidepressant medication.
Addressing Childhood Disorders With Psychotropic Medications
This is a two-part discussion.
Part II
Most available psychotropic drugs were not originally normed and developed for use on children, in part because psychotropic treatments historically were used primarily on adults. Additionally, concerns about the developmental impacts of such substances on children and related ethical issues have prioritized caution to avoid doing harm. It is important to note, however, that it is common for the same psychotropic medications given to adults to also be given to children. For this discussion:
1. Identify and analyze the position of the article you located on this subject.
2. Discuss your views on giving adult medications to children. Include an evaluation of the effects of psychotropic medications on children's neurotransmission and hormonal systems and the limitations of psychopharmacology with this population.
3. Be sure to properly cite and reference your articles in your post, including the URL for the article.
Part III
Children are being diagnosed with mental illnesses that did not exist 10 years ago or were only diagnosed in adults. Diagnosing a child with a mental disorder and treating this disorder with pharmacological agents may be fraught with controversy. These disorders include the autism spectrum disorder, bipolar and related disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many others not previously considered in children. For this discussion:
1. Identify and analyze the position of the article you located on this subject.
2. Discuss the following:
a. Explain how your views on this particular disorder and treatment with medication for children with this disorder did or did not change after reading your article.
b. If you could prescribe medications, what challenges would you have in prescribing medication to a child with this disorder? Provide rationale and evidence to support your view.
c. Describe any specific child or youth developmental concerns you may have about prescribing or not prescribing to children.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.