Psychopharmacological Treatment Options for Bipolar DisordersFriends and family have often pointed out that Daniel’s behavior pattern seems to be one of successes followed in short order by extreme

Psychopharmacological Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorders

Friends and family have often pointed out that Daniel’s behavior pattern seems to be one of successes followed in short order by extreme mania and eventual breakdown. Wammo noticed that Daniel ‘started never changing his McDonald’s uniform. It was brown already, but it became shiny like sharkskin with French fry grease.’ Dave Thornberry visited Daniel in Austin in ’86 and recalls that, ‘He wasn’t well. We got in a huge fight. He thought I was under the control of Satan, and [he] tried to beat me up. I had to call a relative in San Antonio to come get me.’

—Yazdani & Goede (2007, p. 11)

As the above quote illustrates, clients with bipolar disorder struggle to lead a normal life. Since many of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder have similar functions and effects, a psychiatrist might prescribe a variety of medications as part of the client’s overall treatment plan. Counselors play a pivotal role in consistently monitoring and ensuring that the recommended psychopharmacological treatments are effective in ameliorating the client’s symptoms. In providing care for a client like Daniel, having a thorough knowledge of the adverse effects) associated with psychopharmacological intervention prepares counseling professionals to advocate for alternative approaches.

For this Assignment, review the Learning Resources. Review the medication selection for the Discussion assignment and consider its function, side effects, and other pertinent information. Analyze additional psychopharmacological treatment options for bipolar disorders. Select a different anticonvulsant/mood stabilizing medication than the one you used in the Discussion assignment (other than lithium) that a psychiatrist might prescribe to treat bipolar disorders.

In a 2- to 3-page APA-formatted paper, include the following:

• Explain the effects of the medication you selected and lithium in treating bipolar disorder
• Explain the potential side effects of the medication you selected and the potential side effects of lithium
• Explain how counselors monitor clients for adverse effects associated with the selected medication and lithium
• In light of adverse effects, explain when and how a counselor might advocate for a client to consult with his or her psychiatrist. Provide a specific example.