Psychotropic Medication Considerations for Bipolar Disorder
Description
you will be required to write a five-page paper on the use of medication to treat Bipolar Disorder In particular, you will utilize at least six peer-reviewed journal articles to explore the topic, summarizing research that supports the use of anti-psychotic and mood stabilizer medications, as well as research that does not support the use of medication. You will conclude the essay with a reflection on the studies, as well as offer therapeutic responses to a Christian client who is hesitant to use medication due to the potential negative stigma in the faith community.
1. Introduction (1 paragraph): Briefly introduce the reader to the topic, using citations when necessary. Outline what will be covered in the paper.
2. Literature Review (4+ pages):
Biological/Genetic Factors of Bipolar Disorder:
Using at least two peer-reviewed studies (no websites), discuss what biological/genetic factors have been identified in the development or maintenance of bipolar disorder. Summarize the study, clearly stating the biological factors (ie., chemical imbalances, impacted brain structures, etc.) and how they influence bipolar symptoms- depression/mania (ie., onset, severity, prognosis, maintenance, etc.).
Support for Anti-Psychotic medication
Discuss one peer-reviewed study (no websites) that shows support for using anti-psychotic medication to treat bipolar symptoms. Be sure to summarize the studies, explaining how anti-psychotics are helpful (ie., reducing symptoms, improving functioning, etc.).
Support for Mood Stabilizer medication
Discuss one peer-reviewed study (no websites) that shows support for using mood stabilizer medication to treat bipolar symptoms. Be sure to summarize the studies, explaining how mood stabilizers are helpful (ie., reducing symptoms, improving functioning, etc.).
Non-Support/Against Medication
Using at least two peer-reviewed studies (no websites), discuss studies that do not show support for using medication (ie., anti-psychotics or mood stabilizers) to treat bipolar symptoms. Be sure to summarize the studies, explaining why medication is not recommended. These studies might yield results that another treatment (ie, therapy) is more effective than medication, or that anti-psychotic or mood stabilizer might lead to adverse side effects, etc.
Discussion/Faith Integration (.5-1 page):
Reflect on the above sections, and discuss your personal view on the use medication to treat bipolar disorder, taking into consideration the research presented.
If you are working with a Christian client who is experiencing bipolar symptoms and wants to utilize medication, but is hesitant because of the potential negative stigma within the faith community, how might you respond? Are there ways to address his/her concerns? What steps or recommendations could you offer?
