Writer choice

361151. Mental health professionals are aware of tendencies and respond to behaviors such as impulsivity 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:
•Schizoaffective disorder
•Bipolar I disorder
•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.

2. 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.