Question

A social worker sends a client to a colleague for a second opinion. The client has been in treatment for past three months and has a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, recurrent episode. The client believes the therapy is not working because of continuing episodes of depression. The client says that the treating social worker has suggested psychotropic medication. The client refuses to consider the medication. The colleague should NEXT.

A. conduct a literature search on the value of psychotherpay for depression.
B. discuss information given by the client with the treating social worker
C. suggest the client see a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation
D. explore with the client her resistance to taking medication.

Answer 1

The colleague should explore the client's resistance to taking medication to understand and address their concerns in a patient-centered manner. Major depressive disorder can be treated with multiple methods, including psychotherapy and various classes of antidepressants like MAO inhibitors and SSRIs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next step a colleague should take when a client with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder expresses resistance to taking prescribed psychotropic medication is to D. explore with the client their resistance to taking medication. This is a key element of patient-centered care and may reveal underlying concerns or misconceptions that the client has about the medication. It is also important to ensure informed consent and that the client understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives to taking medication. With this understanding, the client may be more open to the idea or may need additional support in managing their depression through other therapeutic means. In dealing with major depressive disorder, there are multiple treatments available including psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, deep-brain stimulation, and various classes of antidepressants such as MAO inhibitors and SSRIs, each working through different mechanisms.