Critical Review
please read all the instructions carefully including the attachment.
Critical Review
The final assignment for this class will be a 11-page critical review of the drug treatment for a psychiatric disorder (broadly defined to include psychological and neurological disorders as well). The review will use peer-reviewed sources to evaluate the current drug treatment modalities for the selected disorder and determine the adequacy of those treatments. The paper will be evaluated on the inclusion of the following information:
Introduction
Evaluate the disorder in terms of symptomatic and behavioral presentation. Include the time, course, and progression of the disorder. Evaluate and explain special features of the disease epidemiology.
Theory
Evaluate the predominant theory or theories regarding the biological basis of the disorder. Explain the disorder in terms of pertinent neurotransmitter and receptor theories and describe the pertinent evidence of their involvement. Analyze the neurotransmitter systems in terms of the involved receptors and the use receptor agonists and antagonists in the treatment of the disorder receptor. Include information on the anatomic changes to the central nervous system as appropriate to the topic.
Treatment
Evaluate drug therapies for treating the disorder based on the current understanding of the biological basis of the disorder and the corresponding behavioral effects of the disorder. Explain pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in relation to the disorder and corresponding drug treatment. Describe any side effects and adverse effects of the drug treatment and their biological basis, including issues related to contraindications, interactions, drug metabolism, and elimination. In addition, explain risks, benefits, and ethical implications for high-risk and exceptional treatment conditions.
Conclusion
Summarize theories of psychiatric disease as they relate to principles of drug action within the chosen topic. Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of the current theory of the disorder and its treatment and evaluate any controversies regarding ethical and/or risk-benefits perspectives associated with the current treatment. Describe possible areas for future research.
The paper:
- Must be 11 pages double-spaced pages in length (not including title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
- Must include a separate title page with the following:
- Title of paper
- Must use at least five peer-reviewed sources in addition to the course text.
- Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
- Must include a separate reference page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Carefully review the Grading Rubric (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
Introduction
Depression is a medical condition that affects 17-20% of the population (Taylor, Fricker, Devi, & Gomes, 2005). The medical condition is caused by imbalances of neurotransmitters including norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. The common form of treatment is antidepressants that act on the neurotransmitters and receptors to restore the balance. Patients with depression may not initially present complaints of anhedonia, low mood or typical symptoms (Kapfhammer, 2006). Within the primary care settings, patients present somatic symptoms such as a headache, abdominal distress, fatigue, or weight loss. As such, patients complain more of irritability or concentration difficulties than sadness or low mood. These vital feelings constitute the bodily background of normal experiences that tend to move to the fore during depressive moods. For instance, depressive patients complain of headaches that are described as being different from the ordinary pain but more of unbearable pressure. As highlighted, additional vital feelings affect both the abdomen and the chest and mediate unpleasant sensations of tension, weight or heaviness (Kapfhammer, 2006).