Client Advocacy and Connecting Neurobiology to Psychopharmacological Interventions

Client Advocacy and Connecting Neurobiology to Psychopharmacological Interventions

From the case, it is clear that Suzy has greatly been affected by her childhood experiences, having witnessed the fights between her parents. The events that took place when Suzy was a child thus had a huge impact on her peripheral nervous system, which relays sensory information regarding the external surroundings to the brain. According to Lichtblau (2011), the peripheral nervous system carries information about, among other things, pain to the brain. Based on this, it may be concluded that Suzy’s peripheral nervous system was deeply affected by the pain she witnessed her mother go through as a result of domestic violence. The hypothalamus also seems to have been affected, given that it regulates behavioral functions such as tranquility and fear (Lichtblau, 2011).

Suzy’s anxiety and alcohol abuse may also be attributed to the functionality of the amygdala, an organ found in the limbic system and whose key role is “helping people to display appropriate behavior for varying social situations” (Lichtblau, 2011 p.8). It has been established that fear and impaired decision making mostly occur when the amygdala is injured (Lichtblau, 2011). For Suzy, she feels that she needs to take some drugs to be able to remain calm throughout the counseling session. From a neurophysiological point of view, this may be interpreted as suggesting that her amygdala has severely been affected such that attention is impaired.

Based on the case, Suzy is suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. As such, it would be helpful to give her some benzodiazepines such as clonazepam, lorazepam, or alprazolam. Benzodiazepines are a category of anti-anxiety medications that are effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder. Much as these drugs help in reducing anxiety, they may affect Suzy’s neurotransmitter function by impairing coordination, causing blurred vision, or creating difficulties in thinking as well as remembering (National Institute of Mental Health, 2016).

Suzy also requires stimulants to increase her attention. As stated in the case, Suzy admits that she needs medications to remain attentive during counseling. Stimulants, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (2016), enhance attention together with alertness. A dose of amphetamine, for example, would help to make Suzy more attentive for the counseling session. A side effect of this drug, and which is related to neurotransmitter functioning, is motor tics. Stimulants sometimes cause people to engage in repetitive movements (National Institute of Mental Health, 2016). Lastly, Suzy needs some antidepressants. Although antidepressants are commonly used for treating depression, they are effective in managing anxiety (National Institute of Mental Health, 2016). Given that Suzy is always worried and edgy, a drug such as fluoxetine would do her some good. However, there is a possibility of this drug causing Suzy to exhibit unusual behaviors or mood changes. Similarly, she may develop sleep problems National Institute of Mental Health, 2016

Based on the classification of mental health medications and their side effects, there is a likelihood that Suzy has been taking anti-depressants for a significant period of time. As stated in the case, Suzy’s anxiety has increased substantially over the last couple of years, making her perpetually edgy and worried. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2016), worsening anxiety and feelings of agitation and restlessness are some of the serious side effects of antidepressants.

Considering the different side effects that mental health medications can have on individuals, it is very important that medical social workers be aware of all drugs and their side effects. This way, they can advocate for clients to be given the correct medications that will not worsen their condition or result into new issues and problems.

References

Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning

National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Mental health medications: Overview. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml