Essay On Psychopharmacology

It is ethically responsible for MFTs to be well versed in the use of pharmacotherapy as a treatment option for many type of disorders their clients present. Before any of this though, MFTs should examine our own beliefs and preconceived ideas about psychotropic drugs and mental health. Some students say that children are over medicated, for example. Or perhaps you have seen positive results with medication. In this course you will learn about the potential for medication use with certain clients suffering from certain disorders. Even though MFTs do not prescribe medications, we often have a better sense of what the needs are, the effects of medication, and the side effects clients may be experiencing. The MFT’s role is to help educate the client …show more content…
Chapter 1 of the textbook discusses reasons why the study of psychopharmacology is important for mental health professionals. As you review the material from Week 1, reflect on your experiences and perspectives regarding psychotropic drugs, then set up a Skype appointment with your instructor to discuss the following questions:

1. Why is it necessary for MFTs to study psychopharmacology?
2. Share any clinical experience and exposure to psychotropic medications that you may have currently or in past.
3. Consider your potential client population and the medications they are likely to take. Discuss/list societal, cultural, and patient attitudes and stigmas associated with psychotropic medications and mental illness.
4. Ask, if possible, some of your friends, family, and/or social network about psychotropic drugs. What are their thoughts and beliefs about psychotropic drugs?
5. What assumptions do you hold about psychotropic drugs? How can you check these assumptions out for accuracy and validity?
6. Discuss any other questions, thoughts or feelings you have regarding psychiatric medications.
7. What do you expect or hope to learn from this