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.
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
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.
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.
Although writing a prescription may be an easy way to put a bandaid on a problem, people tend to forget that medication can’t be responsible for curing our nation. Slowly we are becoming a country where pills are handed out like candy, causing a severe series of negative effects and downfalls. Ray Bradbury, the author of the award winning novel Fahrenheit 451, is definitely in agreement. In 1951, when the novel was written, Bradbury was able to make the prediction that the innocent use of medication would soon turn into an extreme drug epidemic, and unfortunately he wasn’t wrong. The overuse of drugs in the United States, such as mental illness medication
There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the issue of children being medicated with powerful psychotropic medications. Psychological disorders, such as bipolar disorder, that were once believed only to effect adults, are now being diagnosed in children, and those children are, more often than not, now being treated with medications. The number of children being diagnosed and treated with psychotropic medications has rapidly increased in recent years. A report issued by Medco Health Solutions in 2010 states that the number of children being prescribed psychotropic medications doubled from 2001 to 2010. Psychotropic medications can be defined as "any medication capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior"(medicine net). The classes of psychotropic medications are; Stimulants, such as Adderall- prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Antidepressants, such as Prozac- prescribed for depression, Anti-psychotics such as Haldol - prescribed for behavioral disorders, and Mood Stabilizers, such as Depakote - prescribed for bipolar disorders. These medications have been shown to "stunt growth, cause obsessive behaviors, suppress spontaneity, and cause children to become depressed and less social"(Breggin, 2009). This paper will discuss what research suggests about the potentially negative effects of these medications on a child’s physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development. In addition, this paper will also examine the potential reasons these medications are increasingly prescribed, and alternative treatments for some of the psychological disorders that these kinds of medications are prescribed for.
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.
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...
Second, the court must conclude that involuntary medication will significantly further those concomitant state interests. Third, the court must conclude that involuntary medication is necessary to further those interests. The court must find that any alternative, less intrusive treatments are unlikely to achieve substantially the same results. Fourth, as we have said, the court must conclude that administration of the drugs is medically appropriate, i.e., in the patient's best medical interest in light of his medical condition. The specific kinds of drugs at issue may matter here as elsewhere. Different kinds of antipsychotic drugs may produce different side effects and enjoy differen...
In critical and complicating medical cases, family members often find it tedious to decide as to what mode or procedure of treatment is idyllic for the recovery of their patient. In such cases, well-qualified and medically educated can play a pivotal role in deciding the kind of treatment that should be given to the patient to enhance its recovery. In a contrary situation a nurse may know that administering a particular drug may improve the patient’s condition, but may be refrained from conducting the required action due to doctor’s absence or non-permission. There are numerous cases through which ethical dilemmas in the profession of nursing can be discussed. Nurses in order to remain within the defined boundaries ...
The debate over the right of clinical psychologists to prescribe psychoactive medications is certainly not new to the scene. In fact, the debate spans over the past two decades with strong arguments on each end of the spectrum. While opponents to the issue question, among many other things, the qualifications of psychologists, advocates on the issue stress the important public needs that are not currently being met in our mental healthcare system (Lavoie & Barone, 2006). Although the issue of prescription privileges for psychologist stems back many years with plenty of arguments on both sides, I believe the evidence presents a clear and evident solution on the topic. Based on research articles and journals in this field of study, I find that new standards for prescription privileges would pose a substantial benefit for mental health professionals, both psychologist and psychiatrists. Prescription privileges in today’s world would essentially broaden public access and availability to the mental health professionals who have the powers to prescribe (Lavoie & Fleet, 2002).
The field of clinical mental health is one of great reward, but also one of grave responsibility. It is the duty of the counselor to provide the client with a safe environment and an open mind, in order to foster a healthy therapeutic relationship. The majority of mental health counselors would never intentionally harm their clients; however; good intentions are not enough to ensure that wrong will not occur. The ethical expectations and boundaries are regulated by both laws and professional codes. When discussing ethics, one must realize there are two categories, mandatory and aspirational. (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007)
According to Szasz (2005), “In principle, the mental patient is considered competent (until proven [otherwise]). In practice, the client is regularly treated as if he were incompetent and the psychiatrist who asserts that he needs treatment is treated as if he were the patient’s guardian” (p.78). During the 1940’s patients who were mentally ill were considered “legally incompetent” when committed into a mental health facility. Relatives of the patients could release them by providing care in their homes for the client. Unfortunately, Szasz (2005) claims, that “the treatment of mental diseases is no more successful today than it was in the past” (p.78).
The field of mental health care in the United States is relatively new and has changed dramatically over the years. It was once believed that mental illness was the result of being possessed by a demonic spirit. We now know that psychopathologies are the result of a mixture of many things including abnormalities of chemicals in the brain plus the influences of our environment and daily experiences. We may never fully understand how the mind works. It has been a challenge determining the most appropriate and most effective way to treat people with mental illness. This has resulted in the mental health care system making many mistakes and wrong judgements in its development. The issue of care for the mentally ill is a very important one since according to the National Institute of Mental Health, “An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.” (“Numbers Count”, n.d) As professionals learn more about the brain and the mentally ill, the care will continue to progress and improve.