Identify concerns for prescribing psychoactive drugs to treat psychological disorders. Explain how psychiatrists should properly distribute and prescribe medications.

Question

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Answer 1

One of the growing concerns is the inappropriate use of psychoactive drugs and the ease that physicians reach for the prescription pad. Many people who are prescribed anti-depressants for example might benefit with simple lifestyle changes such as inclusion of aerobic exercise, increased socialization and either group or private therapy with a trained psychologist. For mental disorders that clearly show a need for drug intervention, such as manic/depression, schizophrenia or severe depression, a psychiatrist should be consulted, and a thorough examination performed before the administration of drug therapy. All drugs have both benefits as well as negative side effects and therefore careful consideration before administration is imperative. A psychiatrist rather than a medical doctor is a better judge of the appropriateness of psychoactive drug therapy and would consider the length and severity of the mental disorder as well as the daily functionality of the patient according to the DSMV.

Dr. Jane

Answer 2

Psychoactive drugs will always have some effect on brain function. Depending on the mechanism of the drugs and the disease being treated the side effects will either be related to suppression of brain function or stimulation of brain function. Suppression of brain function will lead to effects like sedation, depression, muscle relaxation, and, on the severe end, coma or death. Stimulation of brain function can lead to hyperactivity, mania, anxiety, muscle spasticity, and, on the sever end, seizures.

Distribution of psychoactive substances should follow local, state, and federal guidelines and always be appropriate for the disease being treated. Significant caution should be taken with the distribution of potentially addictive substances like opiates/opiods and powerful substances such as anti-psychotic medications. If a patient has specific questions about a psychoactive substance, a professional in the medical or pharmacy fields should be consulted.