Psychopharmacology, Human Behavioral

Emma Childs & Harriet de Wit

Drugs play an increasingly large role in civilization, and especially among the patients or clients who are seen by mental health professionals. The drugs that counselors may encounter fall into two major categories, therapeutic and recreational. Therapeutic drugs may facilitate the clinical goals of the patients, but can also present unique problems that must be addressed in the therapeutic setting. Drugs used for nontherapeutic reasons may contribute to the problems of the patient, or otherwise interfere with the therapeutic relationship. The major classes of medical and nonmedical drugs that counselors are likely to encounter in their practice are discussed in this entry, including their primary effects and side effects, and the clinical issues that may arise. The most widespread therapeutic drugs include those used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, psychotic illnesses, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). Agents used in treating these disorders can interact with psychosocial treatments. A psychotropic medication ...

Users without subscription are not able to see the full content on this title. Please, subscribe or login to access all content on this website.