Unit 16 Discussion – Reflection
Please respond to the following questions based upon these course objectives:
1. Understand and be able to articulate the fundamentals of neurotransmission as it relates to prescribing psychotropic medications for clients with acute and chronic mental health conditions.
2.Discuss major categories of psychotropic drugs, their rationale for use, mechanisms of action, common side effects, and drug interactions.
3.Discuss evidence to support and the appropriate use of complimentary alternative medications in patients that are experiencing acute and chronic mental health conditions seeking adjunctive or monotherapy treatment while considering cultural and genetic factors as well as patient values.
4.Utilize clinical assessment tools associated with diagnosing and prescribing for psychiatric disorders and begin to utilize these tools in clinical settings to assist with diagnosis and treatment of chronic mental health conditions.
5.Propose psychotherapeutic medication for selected patients keeping in mind safety concerns while utilizing knowledge of current mental health, medical concerns, age, gender, cultural factors, genetic factors, ethical concerns, patient values, and prescriiptive authority impact decision making.
6. Utilize research and provide basic diagnostic and psychopharmacology education to your client and his/her family when prescribing.
7. Understand ethical and legal considerations and controversies in current pharmacological treatment of mental health patients.
Explain how the material learned in this course, based upon the objectives, will be applicable to the professional application.
