Selecting the Correct Antidepressant with Counseling

When selecting an antidepressant to be involved with counseling many factors that have been considered such: previous medication responses, family history to medication, and the client’s symptoms and comorbidity (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2013). Clients might choose to discontinue the use of medications when feelings of pessimism and hopelessness occur so selecting an antidepressant with minimal side effects is very crucial (Preston & et al, 2013). During the medication trail make sure to give an adequate amount time before abandoning around four weeks to considered the medication non-sucessful (Preston & et al, 2013).
In the case study of Marcus, he is a 31 year old Caucasian law student that reports feelings of being burned and worn out. Marcus denies any boyfriend or girlfriend in his life but does report he has dated in the past. Marcus is starting to wonder if all his studying is worth while. In the past, Marcus has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and he’s thinking pattern is slipping back to that. Marcus’s choice to come to counseling has been exacberated by his continue use of club drugs tohave a little fun. Marcus states he uses these drugs about once every two weeks and his depression occurs around the time he is using the substances.
Symptoms and Medications
Marcus reports experiencing feelings of burned out, loss of interesting in customary activities, socially withdrawn from social life, negative thinking, and added substance abuse. Marcus has previously been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder that includes depressed mood throughout the day, diminished interested in activities, loss of energy, feeling of guilt (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Marcus’ symptoms sounds like Major De...

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...munication not just with them but also with their prescriber on how the medication is making them feel(Butcher & et al, 2012). Encourage the client to make their voices be heard that if they feel this is not the right medication for the psychiatrist to make a change in the medication plan.
Conclusion
Each individual reacts to medication and their side effects differently so it can be hard to find the right medication. Counseling is also an important role in the treatment of mental health illness and the counselor should become the advocate and educator along with the middle ground with the prescribing medical staff (King & Anderson, 2004). The counselor should be the main go to person for the client for answers regarding the medication, treatment, and how they feel so the counselor needs to make sure they are educated on psychopharmacology (King & Anderson, 2004).