There are two major types of antipsychotic medication. Typical antipsychotics are older drugs, such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol. Typical antipsychotics tend to be highly effective, yet they often have severe side effects. Older clients are more likely to have been prescribed typical antipsychotics before newer atypical antipsychotics became available. However, as long as the client is tolerating the medication, generally, the treatment will continue.
Atypical antipsychotics, or newer drugs, tend to be tolerated more readily, and the side effects are less severe (Perry, Alexander, Liskow, & DeVane, 2007). Since typical antipsychotics often have severe side effects, they are used as a last resort when the atypical antipsychotics are not effective. Nevertheless, both antipsychotic medications manage the positive symptoms of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, including hallucinations and delusions.
For this Discussion, review the “Psychotic Disorder Case Study: Harry” and“Psychotic Disorder Case Study: Ralph” and consider the case study’s current antipsychotic drug treatments.
Write an alternative antipsychotic drug treatment for each case and explain why you think it is more appropriate.
2. Explain the potential negative side effects and identify symptoms that may not be relieved by the treatment.
3. Then, explain one potential ethical concern related to this client’s treatment and your role as a mental health professional once the client has been stabilized on his medication.
Be sure to support your paper with specific references to the Readings.
READINGS
Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
Chapter 4, “Antipsychotic Pharmacotherapy” (pp. 51–62)
Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., Talaga, M. C., & Moore, B. A. (2021). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (9th ed.). New Harbinger.
Chapter 11, “Psychotic Disorders” (pp. 56-60)
Chapter 20, “Antipsychotic Medications” (pp. 90-93)
Gaebel, W., & Zielasek, J. (2015). Schizophrenia in 2020: Trends in diagnosis and therapy. Psychiatry And Clinical Neurosciences, 69(11), 661-673.
Case Study
Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2012f). Psychotic disorder case study: Harry [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2012g). Psychotic disorder case study: Ralph [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
