John John is a 45-year-old biracial man of African-American and Caucasian descent. He is attending counseling after becoming fearful of how “down” he has fel t lately. It seems that the things that once brought John great joy no longer do so. He eats far less frequently than he once did. “Food has no taste,” he says. John’s sleep has been affected. He says, “Months ago I couldn’t sleep enough. Now it seems that I have to force myself to do it. Lying in bed is misery-”thinking about how many things I have done wrong in this life.” John has no wife or children, though he occasionally helps raise his goddaughters, as their mother works night shifts and relies on family and friends to help out. He finds his time with the kids more and more taxing. This is a surprising and painful fact, as he loves them dearly. He works as a handyman and has his primary needs met in terms of housing, food, and other essentials. He does not use alcohol or drugs. He wonders whether medication would be helpful, but John is unsure if he is willing to deal with the side effects. In particular, John worries that he might not be able to perform sexually, given what he has heard from friends that take them.

For your initial post analyze the case, determine the psychopathology presented and describe the appropriate treatment methods for the client.

an explanation of the major symptoms that indicate depression and the medications that might be prescribed to treat these symptoms for the case study you selected. Next, explain a mental health professional’s role in raising the client’s awareness of medication-related effects. Then, explain two potential challenges that might impact the client in the initial stages of psychopharmacological intervention. Finally, explain one strategy a mental health professional might use to address challenges that arise in the initial stages of treatment.

Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
Chapter 2, “Pharmacotherapy of Depression” (pp. 21-“34)

Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
Chapter 7, “Depressive Disorders” (pp. 77-93)
Chapter 16, “Antidepressant Medications” (pp.175-200)
Appendix C, “Psychotropic Drug Interactions (pp. 293-308)

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA,American Psychiatric Association, 2013.

Use the DSM-5 to guide you through your understanding of the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Antidepressant medications for children and adolescents: Information for parents and caregivers. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml

As you review this website, consider the variety of medications used for mental health treatment.

Spiegel, A. (2012, January 23). When it comes to depression, serotonin isn’t the whole story. [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/01/23/145525853/when-it-comes-to-depression-serotonin-isnt-the-whole-story