Neurobiology Considerations Case Study: SuzySuzy is a 27-year-old Caucasian woman with no children. At age 8, she witnessed her mother’s overdose of prescription pain medication. Her mother subsequently recovered but was addicted to prescription pain medication throughout Suzy’s childhood. Suzy’s father did not live with them. Suzy’s mother suggested that this was because of his alcoholism. Rage-filled fights between her parents were commonplace for Suzy since she was an infant. Over the last several years, Suzy has become increasingly anxious. It seems that she is always on edge and worried. In fact, her doctor suspects she may have generalized anxiety disorder. She has been referred to your counseling clinic in hopes of getting better. During the first session, you learn that Suzy abuses alcohol frequently—six to seven drinks at least three times per week. Suzy believes she will have trouble coming to counseling if she does not have medication to help calm her down enough to “sit still.”  © 2014 Laureate Education, Inc.Page 1 of 1 

An awareness of neurobiology and  neurotransmitters establishes the critical basis for mental health  professionals to understand the connection between psychopathology and  psychopharmacological interventions. Mental health professionals use  their awareness of the complex interactions between neurobiology,  neurochemistry, and psychotropic medications to conceptualize client  concerns and formulate treatment strategies.

For  this Assignment, review Suzy’s case study and consider the function of  neurotransmitters and the way client treatment may be affected by these  functions. As a mental health professional, how can you help Suzy  understand what might be going on in her brain while at the same time  advocating for her case?

By Day 7

In a 2-, APA-formatted paper, include the following:

As  a mental health professional, you are called upon to advocate for  clients in mental health settings. For this Assignment, imagine you have  been called into a panel discussion with the case study team for Suzy.  Your plan is to advocate for Suzy through her mental health treatment.  In your advocacy for Suzy, address the following:

• Identify which neurotransmitters may be affected in Suzy’s case and  justify your selection based on evidence from the case and the Learning  Resources.
• Identify three drugs that could be used to treat Suzy’s mental  health symptoms and explain how these drugs may affect her  neurotransmitter function.
• Identify one possible drug of addictive potential that may contribute to her mental health symptoms.
• Explain how your awareness of using the right drugs helps in advocating for clients through mental health treatment.

Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
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.
Chapter 3, “Neurobiology” (pp. 29–43)
Chapter 4, “Pharmacology” (pp. 45–56)
Chapter 9, “Anxiety Disorders” (pp. 107-122)
 

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

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2014). Brain basics: Understanding sleep. Retrieved on from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/understanding_sleep.htm#sleep_disorders

Document:  Neurobiology Considerations Case Study: Suzy (PDF)
 
Use this case study for this Week‘s Discussion and Assignment as you prepare a treatment plan for Suzy.