The primary reason I am pursuing my Masters in Social Work is to work within the behavioral health field. However, through the education that I have received thus far combined with personal research that I have done, I am becoming increasingly aware about a personal and professional ethical dilemma surrounding the behavioral health field and psychotropic medications. The social work field is undoubtedly intertwined with the psychiatric field; social workers provide “the largest proportion of mental health services in the United States” (Moses, p. 211), and 40% of the membership of the NASW (National Association of Social Workers) practice in mental health settings (Cohen). As social workers, we serve as liaisons between patients, families, prescribers, interdisciplinary teams, and schools, in regard to psychiatric referrals, evaluations, treatment, and follow up. Furthermore, many social workers have succumb to and subscribe to the medical model of the psychiatric field - supporting, encouraging, and facilitating the prescribing of psychotropic medications for the mentally ill population (Moses). Social workers working in the behavioral health field are, to an extent, expected to follow the “expertise” of the prescriber who is generally the team-lead within interdisciplinary teams. Because social workers do not have a medical degree, we are taught not to question the prescribing of psychotropic medications. However, many of these medications have horrific side effects, can impact a patient’s physical health, and can compromise a patient’s cognitive functioning and problem-solving abilities (Cohen). Furthermore, mental illness is becoming an epidemic in our society; diagnostic inflation, the psychopharmacological revolution,... ... middle of paper ... ... not evidence of a previous disease (Mitchell, 2009). For example, an individual may want to have a few drinks to unwind from a long day; this choice does not and should not demonstrate evidence that this individual was suffering from anxiety or another mental illness prior to drinking. Prescribers are aware of the side effects of psychotropic medications, however many will use the doctrine of double effect to justify their prescribing psychotropic medications for the purpose of relieving symptoms of mental illness. However, as the true efficacy rates of psychotropic medications are being studied and revealed, how can prescribers ethically continue to prescribe? ethical dilemma – do no harm – but do “experts” feel that they are acting in the client’s best interest. The dilemma falls into education for the prescriber and true informed consent for the client.
Forcing someone to take medication or be hospitalized against their will seems contrary to an individual’s right to refuse medical treatment, however, the issue becomes complicated when it involves individuals suffering from a mental illness. What should be done when a person has lost their grasp on reality, or if they are at a risk of harming themselves or others? Would that justify denying individuals the right to refuse treatment and issuing involuntary treatment? Numerous books and articles have been written which debates this issue and presents the recommendations of assorted experts.
An ethical dilemma that is currently happening in the medical field regards pain management. Doctors and other medical professionals are faced with this ethical decision on whether to prescribe strong pain medication to patients who claim to be experiencing pain, or to not in skepticism that the patient is lying to get opioids and other strong medications. “Opioids are drugs that act on the nervous system to relieve pain. Continued use and abuse can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms,” (Drug Free World Online). Opioids are often prescribed to patients experiencing excruciating pain, but doctors are faced with prescribing these drugs as an ethical issue because only a patient can measure the pain they are in, it is simply impossible
As science has evolved, so have treatments for mental illnesses have over time. The medical model is described as the view that psychological disorders are medical diseases with a biological origin (King, 2010, pg. 413). Abnormal behavior that categorizes some disorders can be impacted by biological factors such as genes, psychological factors such as childhood experiences, and even sociocultural factors such as gender and race (King, 2010). Treatments such as psychosurgery (lobotomy) , drug therapy (pharmaceuticals), electroconclusive therapy, and psychoanalysis are used to treat a wide range of psychological disorders. Back then, the public’s negative views on mental illnesses also went as far to associate with the people who treated it; psychiatrists. “Nunnally (1961) found that the public evaluated professionals who treated mental disorders significantly more negatively than those who treat physical disorders,” (Phelan, Link, Stueve, & Pescosolido, 2000, pg. 189). People back then didn’t see the point in “paying to be told that they were crazy”. However, in today’s society, it is now acceptable to seek help from psychiatric professionals; we are seeing more and more people seek mental health treatment. “In terms of facility-based records of utilization (Manderscheid and Henderson 1998), the data suggest that the rate of utilization of professional mental health services has at least doubled and maybe tripled, between the 1950’s and today,” (Phelan, Link, Stueve, & Pescosolido, 2000, pg. 189). In the 1950’s, neuroleptic drugs like Thorazine were introduced to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. These drugs block a neurotransmitter called dopamine from getting to the brain, which in turn reduce schizophrenic symptoms, however there are some side effects such as substantial twitching of the neck, arms, and legs, and even dysphoria or lack of pleasure. (King, 2010, pg.
Psychotropic medications, also referred to as psychiatric or psychotherapeutic medications, are used to treat psychiatric disorders, such as: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They have been used for many years and oftentimes come with dangerous side effects. The side effects that often occur in children taking these medications can include: fainting, blurred vision, vomiting, extreme weight gain, and even death ("Seroquel information,” n.d.). The use of psychotropic medication to treat mental disorders in children and adolescents is highly controversial because of ethical viewpoints (i.e. parents “drugging” their children to calm them down) and potentially harmful side effects, but one has to take into consideration whether the risks outweigh the benefits when deciding whether or not to give this type of medication to children.
Mental health issues are pervasive in todays society. Individuals diagnosed with severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, have a diminished wellbeing due to the stressors associated with their illness. Whether these psychosocial aggravations are an internalized manifestation of poor self esteem, societal renunciation, or subjective distress, it is evident that mental illness is a stigma on the individual dealing with the disorder, as well as a strain on societal resources. While reliance on psychotropic medications and psychosocial interventions have traditionally been a common treatment plan, many argue that the overuse and inappropriate prescription of drugs in the treatment of mental heath is creating a larger problem than
... treatment, healthcare providers should think on legal and ethical terms and strive to avoid treatments that can be considered abusive to the patient. What is good for one patient may not be the best treatment for others.
Although medical social workers have always played a role in helping loved ones adjust to significant illness in a family member and in securing needed resources to pay for medical care (Furstenberg & Olson, 1984), a new role for mental health professionals in the care of those afflicted with disease has emerged. D...
FDA research has shown that tricyclic antidepressants such as Paxil can actually increase the severity of depression and suicidal behavior in teens and young adults. In the shocking expose “Treating the Mentally Ill,” medical journalist Rob Waters warns “Antidepressants including Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, and Effexor have provoked hostile behavior and thoughts about suicide in a number of teenagers who have been prescribed the drugs. Some of th...
Whitaker, Leighton C. "Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America." Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry 13.2 (2011): 169-71. Print.
As a result of research and advancements in biomedical science, psychotropic medications have become a primary tool in the holistic treatment of mental health concerns (Kaut & Dickinson, 2007). Education regarding psychopharmacology is now recommended for all mental health professionals in accordance with the ethical codes for the profession (King & Anderson, 2004). Counselors must also navigate their roles with regard to medication and client concerns carefully to avoid liability, while acting in the best interest of the client.
This idea sounded ideal, especially with the discovery of psychotropic medication, but it eventually led to an increase in repres...
"ETHICAL DEBATE: On the horns of a dilemma." Chemist & Druggist. 03 Dec. 2005: 30. eLibrary. Web. 20 Jan. 2014.
The author explains how randomized clinical trials put physicians in ethically intolerable positions of choosing between the good of the patient and that of society. A kantian argument is formed when the author explains how the physician has the duty to tell the truth and not use the patient as a mere means to satisfy the needs of a majority. The well being of the patient is far more important than that of the society when it comes to treatment by personal physician, the Author suggests that there should be alternatives to randomized clinical trials to deal with observer bias and patient selection. The overall message of the article stresses the importance of a patient’s well being over the well being of a society because the physician has the duty to help the patient improve his/her health.
... options and therapist should have full discloser regarding medications (pros and cons) with clients. When working with individuals with a mental illness, safety should always be foremost in the therapist mind. If not being on medications or stopping using medications put someone at a greater risk for hurting themselves or others medications should more than likely be part of the treatment plan. With this definition in mind the issue of collaborating between those struggling with a mental illness and professionals I feel is the most important issue brought up in these websites. If therapist do not view themselves as the “expert” and instead listen to their clients and their individual experiences, the client’s treatment plan will be the one best suited for them. Clients are the expert of the illness they are dealing with and therapist inform their understanding.
Central Idea: Prescription drugs can cause serious mental and physical health problems if they are taken incorrectly or abused.