Prescriptions privileges for psychologist, a debate of the American Psychological Association (APA) policy. This debate took place at the APA's August 22-25, 2002 convention held in Chicago. The debate was facilitate by Dr. Timothy Anderson, PhD in psychology, who entertained two professionals, Elaine Heiby and Patrick DeLeon who have earned their PhD in psychology; giving the pro and con for why psychologist should have prescriptive authority. The debate centered around two questions, the first question addressed the justification of the APA model of training for prescription privileges which cited the Department of Defense (DoD) demonstration project and training for other professionals with prescription privileges and the second question focused on the impact of training for prescription privileges on university-based departments of psychology, to include curriculum, staffing and financial cost to the university and students.
As cited by DeLeon, psychologists represent the nation’s educated elite. Prescriptive authority represents the future of psychology including academia. The objective studies cited by Newman, Phelps, Sammons, Dunivin, and Cullen concluded that the DoD trained psychologist provided outstanding care, improved quality medications utilizations, modified previous ordered medication, substituted when appropriated, all while ensuring the psychological aspect of therapy maximizing the treatment regime. Psychologist must accept the professional challenge and become actively engaged in the primary health care arena. The nation’s health care system must become more responsive to the consumer; it is unacceptable for an individual to wait 6 weeks or longer to see a specialist.
Heiby cites...
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...the dubious reputation of having the lowest professional standards in terms of medical training in the country". Both feel that those who choose to receive medical training will sacrifice training in other areas of academics to meet the demands of prescribing authority.
In conclusion, the role of prescription authority by psychologists would benefit the future of health care. Allowing all individuals the ability to have access to mental health professionals and their ability to prescribe and treat medical conditions. Since most psychoactive medications are prescribed by nonpsychiatric physicians, allowing the psychologist the ability to prescribe would eliminate the lack of psychological intervention and provide greater continuity of care. It is time for the academia community to provide the necessary tools for prescriptive privileges to psychologist.
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Louise C. Cope et al, investigated the impact of non-medical prescribing. Non-medical prescribing could be evaluated through the NMP, or other health practitioner such as GP, and patients. Currently there is limited information on how NMP has impacted other professions, such as radiographer, optometrists and physiotherapists. Personally, I think this is due to how recent these professions gained the right to prescribe. Most of the findings have been extremely positive, with limited disadvantages. Within this evaluation of NMP “students who are becoming NMPs felt that the programme provided them with adequate knowledge to prescribe with some stating that the period of learning in practice was ‘the most valuable part of the course’”
Understanding psychological disorders are very important in human development, the first step is to define what is meant by a disorder. How do psychologists determine that there something is psychologically wrong with a person? What behaviours are abnormal? A psychological disorder, also known as a mental disorder, is a pattern of behavioural or psychological symptoms that impact multiple life areas and/or create distress for the person experiencing these symptoms. A clear sign of abnormal behaviour or mental state is when an individual's behaviour is destructive to themselves or their social group, such as family, friends. Above all psychological disorders create a maladaptive pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that lead to detriments in relationships and other life areas. There are several ethical issues in treating psychological disorders. There two ways of treating psychological disorders through; psychotherapy this form of treatment involves social interactions between a trained professional (therapist) and client. This is delivered on a one-to-one, face-to-face meeting. Another way of treating psychological disorder is through pharmacological treatments. This is the use of proactive drugs to treat certain disorders. This essay will aim to highlight the pros and cons of using pharmacological and psychological treatments.
In today’s society, a lot of emphasis is placed on administering drugs and medicating people with psychological issues; however, most of these ailments and issues have the ability be treated through the use of talk therapy rather than medication. Americans are particularly guilty of over medicating when it comes to our more common mental health diagnosis such as, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. We as a society expect things to be done at the snap of a finger; in our advancement of science, we have been able to discover ways of offering the results we want quickly, inexpensively, and with little effort. Unfortunately, although the use of medications, also known as psychoactive drugs, occasionally remove the symptoms, but they do little to remove the causes of these mental health issues. In addition, to the lack of solution that the use of psychoactive drugs offer, they can also have unwanted and dangerous side effects. These can include simple physical irritants such as dry mouth and head aches, and can range up to dependency and substance abuse, and in some cases even death. Moreover, there are cases of inappropriate prescribing, where doctors are authorizing the use of medications that don’t work or are not pertinent to the issue the patient is experiencing. Furthermore, some of these doctors are issuing these medications without subjecting the patient to a proper mental health evaluation by a psychological professional.
Doctors are well respected within the realm of American society and are perceived with the highest regard as a profession. According to Gallup’s Honesty and Ethics in Profession polls, 67% of respondents believe that “the honesty and ethical standards” of medical doctors were “very high.” Furthermore, 88% of respondents polled by Harris Polls considered doctors to either “hold some” or a “great deal of prestige”. Consequently, these overwhelmingly positive views of the medical profession insinuate a myth of infallibility that envelops the physicians and the science they practice. Atul Gawande, in Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science, provides an extensive view of the medical profession from both sides of the operating table
Although founded and held to the ethical guidelines of the APA, I/O psychology has struggled with licensure. Should I/O Psychologists be Licensed? An article written by Howard and Lowman (1985) address the initial findings of the result of poorly developed licensing requirements. Few articles discuss the gaps between current laws and regulations. However, research reported within the article stated that there was a study conducted of the directory of the American Psychological Association in 1981 which revealed that “fewer licenses were obtained by younger I/O practitioners” (Howard & Lowman, 1985, p.40). The results of the study indicated 22% of those age 34 or younger were licensed, compared with 39% of those age 35 to 44, 51% of those age 45 to 54, and 67% of I/O psychologists age 55 to 64 (Howard & Lowman, 1985). The results may not have been seen as a major concern during the early 1980s however the article continues to highlight the many hurdl...
Antidepressant usage has increased all around the world and is used by all ages. Doctors are prescribing more prescriptions, even if the patient does not need the medication. “Antidepressants prescriptions in the UK have increased by 9.6% in 2011, to 46 million prescriptions” (Are Antidepressants overused?). This study took place in the United Kingdom; however, a lot more prescriptions are being prescribed all around the world. The use of antidepressants is increasing to an all time high because doctors do not want to waste time talking about feelings. The psychologist’s just want the patients to feel better quickly so they prescribe antidepressants. Human beings as well as doctors think that prescribing medicat...
The field of psychology is a discipline, originated from many branches of science. It has applications from within a complete scope of avenues, from psychotherapy to professional decision-making. The flexibility and versatility of this field reflects its importance and demands in-depth analysis. Psychology was a division of philosophy until it developed independent scientific disciplines. The history of psychology was a scholarly study of the mind and behavior that dates back to the beginning of civilization. There are important details from previous theory psychologist, research have contributed to behaviorism approaches and have contributed towards specific current behavioral practices. Contemporary behavior therapy began to emerge into distinct practical and core learning theories concerning the needs and knowledge engaging cultural and professional differences.
...ments. In psychotherapy the psychologist must ensure that there is a high level of trust between him and the patient. There must also be high confidentiality rate between both parties. Only at necessary times should a patient’s record be disclosed to third parties. There must also be set boundaries between the patient and his or her psychologists and there must be no form of sexual interaction between both parties. In terms of pharmacological treatments with patients who suffer from ADHD, the over prescription of Ritalin must be revised as more and more young children are forced to take the drug which often times leads the child to lose his or her freedom of personality. These ethical issues must be looked into as these drugs are given to children so that they can fit into a socially normal behavioural society which in turns makes them be subject of discrimination.
Part of the ethical code for a professional counselor involves education about current research developments and trends in the field of mental health (Linde, Erford, & Cheung, 2010). Psychopharmacology is an example of such advancement that would require attention. As noted by King and Anderson (2004) the failure to recommend an evaluation for medication as a viable option when appropriate can lead to liability issues. A lack of knowledge in this area would not absolve the counselor of this responsibility.
I am a student in the BA completion program, this quarter I am studying psychology in the form of social research and redefining the role of a counselor. I have been able to look at myself as a learner as well as take a look at the profession I want to practice. I have discovered more than I thought I would be as a student at my age. I have learned that my understanding will only grow deeper and more profound as I progress in my degree program. I can see the need for newer and more innovative psychologist in the field and practice of psychology. I know psychology has a lot to do with the provider. In my opinion, the providers history and background helps create the atmosphere between client and provider.
Some of the most abused prescription medications are those for mental issues such as, antidepressants, anxiety and sleep disorder. In Britain mixed anxiety & depression is the most common mental disorder, with almost 9% of the people meeting the criteria for the dia...
Molitior Nancy “The 411 on Clinical Psychologists: Here’s the Truth” Your mind your body. 20 Nov 2009. Web. 14 Feb 2014
A health psychologist has a substantial functions including primary care programs, inpatient medical units, and specialized health care programs such as pain management, rehabilitation, women 's health, oncology, smoking cessation, headache management, and various other aspects of health (APA Division 38, 2015). This is an important subfield of psychology with a vast majority of health psychologist working with federal agencies, colleges and universities. Health psychologists focuses on cognition, feelings, and actions that effect social issues, that are important to human health as a whole (APA Division 38, 2015). Career prospects in this area of psychology have expanded with positions available in many employment areas
As a Psychologist with a specialization in Human Services, my skills include counseling, proper documentation of client files, screening for mental and/or behavioral concerns and ensuring day-to-day operations of a busy office. My experience though it is not quantified in years it has included both small and large numbers of patients, and as a result, I am familiar with the need to be flexible and encouraging and I find myself excited by the prospect of a new challenge.
The career of Psychiatry is an interesting career because of how extensive the aspects of the mind are. This research will describe the career of Psychiatry, what is required to become a successful Psychiatrist, and the impact this career has on society.