Neurobiology, Client Presentation, and Pharmacological Treatment Plans

Developing appropriate pharmacological treatment plans requires medical and mental health professionals to consider all potential factors that may be contributing to the client’s psychopathology. Contributing factors may include family history of mental illness (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2010), environment, personal history, life circumstances, and drug abuse. Additionally, neurotransmitter malfunctions (genetic or self-induced) may manifest as diagnosable mental illnesses. Mental health care teams (e.g. counselors, medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and support teams) need to consider all of these factors in diagnosing and treating psychopathology.

For this Discussion, review the document “Neurobiology Considerations Case Study: Suzy” and the Learning Resources. How might you treat Suzy? What factors would you consider as you develop her treatment plan? Develop your ideas for how you would ensure that Suzy gets the best care. Use the Learning Resources to support your treatment plan.

Post by Day 4 a brief description of a possible pharmacological treatment plan for Suzy. Explain any neurobiology considerations that informed your treatment plan. Explain the benefits and limitations of your plan. Justify your plan based on the Learning Resources and current literature.

Respond by Day 6 to two of your colleagues’ posts and elaborate on their plan. Identify any areas of misconceptions and assumptions and provide additional areas or ideas for exploration. If a post already has two responses, you must choose another post.