Discussion Post: Neurobiology, Client Presentation, and Pharmacological Treatment Plans
Case study of Suzy
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 of these factors in diagnosing and treating psychopathology.
For this Discussion, review the document "Neurobiology Considerations Case Study: Suzy" found in this week's Learning Resources and consider the recommendations you might make to treat Suzy.
Post a brief description of the possible pharmacological recommendations for treating Suzy.
• Explain any neurobiological considerations that inform your recommendations.
• Explain the benefits and limitations of your recommendations.
The response should include a reference list. Using double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
Resources
• Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
o Chapter 1, "Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology" (pp. 1-18)
• Preston, J. D., O'Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
o Chapter 3, "Neurobiology" (pp. 29-43)
o Chapter 4, "Pharmacology" (pp. 45-56)
o Chapter 9, "Anxiety Disorders" (pp. 107-122)
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2014) Brain basics: Understanding sleep.