RESPONSE 1 Respond to at least two colleagues who selected a different theory from the one you selected. Explain how another systems theory, that neither you nor your colleague has previously discussed, might be applied to the course-specific case study your colleague selected. Colleague 1: AnnaVi Case Background Matt and Keith are homosexual males that adopted two children, ages 7 and 3. The couple decided to attend counseling due to a conflict in parenting styles. The adopted children have special needs. Jackson, the oldest child shows behavior problems that result in aggression and was later diagnosed with ADHD (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen, 2014). The younger child, Ellery was born with a cleft palate, deformity to the jaw and is blind. She often has trouble with breathing and swallowing her food due to the deformities to her lip and jaw (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen, 2014). The couple struggles with Jackson’s behavioral problems as well as the Ellery’s medical issues. Due to the demands of parenthood, Matt and Keith struggle to spend quality time with one another. More importantly, both Matt and Keith have opposite parenting styles that often lead to disagreements. Conflict Theory According to Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda (2012), “Conflict also helps to define the nature and structure of relationships between conflicting parties” (p. 73). Coser suggests that realistic conflict occurs from “specific demands” (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012). As both sides struggle to find balance, the need for rearrangement and accommodation is needed between Matt and Keith to resolve their conflicts. Coser’s realistic conflict ends in a less violent confrontation rather than a violent, hostile one. I find Sower’s take on conflict relating to Matt and Keith, as Sower describes conflict as a transaction. Matt and Keith often argue and disagree due to the specific demands of parenting as both find difficulty finding an equal balance. Social Work Skills The social skills necessary to manage between conflicting couples include applying Narrative therapy and EFT to allow each couple to illustrate their own perspective of the conflicts present in their home. The use of narrative therapy allows the couple to identify their values and strengths that are necessary to the functions of the household. EFT is often used in couples as an approach to explore feelings, emotions and perspective to what happened in the relationship. The social worker may also provide resources where education can be provided on ADHD and medical issues that Ellery suffers from. The use of empathy and remaining neutral is also important in managing conflict. The ability to ask open-ended questions that contribute to Matt and Keith’s understanding of the problems are present and ability to manage the visits without escalating into major arguments, fights or one person storming off. Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds). (2014). Social work case studies: Concentration year. ...

1. RESPONSE 1
Respond to at least two colleagues who selected a different
theory from the one you selected. Explain how another systems
theory, that neither you nor your colleague has previously
discussed, might be applied to the course-specific case study
your colleague selected.
Colleague 1: AnnaVi
Case Background
Matt and Keith are homosexual males that adopted two children,
ages 7 and 3. The couple decided to attend counseling due to a
conflict in parenting styles. The adopted children have special
needs. Jackson, the oldest child shows behavior problems that
result in aggression and was later diagnosed with ADHD
(Plummer, Makris & Brocksen, 2014). The younger child, Ellery
was born with a cleft palate, deformity to the jaw and is blind.
She often has trouble with breathing and swallowing her food
due to the deformities to her lip and jaw (Plummer, Makris &
Brocksen, 2014).
The couple struggles with Jackson’s behavioral problems as
well as the Ellery’s medical issues. Due to the demands of
parenthood, Matt and Keith struggle to spend quality time with
one another. More importantly, both Matt and Keith have
opposite parenting styles that often lead to disagreements.
Conflict Theory
According to Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda (2012), “Conflict
also helps to define the nature and structure of relationships
between conflicting parties” (p. 73). Coser suggests that
realistic conflict occurs from “specific demands” (Robbins,
Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012). As both sides struggle to find
balance, the need for rearrangement and accommodation is
needed between Matt and Keith to resolve their conflicts.

2. Coser’s realistic conflict ends in a less violent confrontation
rather than a violent, hostile one. I find Sower’s take on conflict
relating to Matt and Keith, as Sower describes conflict as a
transaction. Matt and Keith often argue and disagree due to the
specific demands of parenting as both find difficulty finding an
equal balance.
Social Work Skills
The social skills necessary to manage between conflicting
couples include applying Narrative therapy and EFT to allow
each couple to illustrate their own perspective of the conflicts
present in their home. The use of narrative therapy allows the
couple to identify their values and strengths that are necessary
to the functions of the household. EFT is often used in couples
as an approach to explore feelings, emotions and perspective to
what happened in the relationship.
The social worker may also provide resources where education
can be provided on ADHD and medical issues that Ellery suffers
from. The use of empathy and remaining neutral is also
important in managing conflict. The ability to ask open-ended
questions that contribute to Matt and Keith’s understanding of
the problems are present and ability to manage the visits
without escalating into major arguments, fights or one person
storming off.
Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds). (2014).
Social work case studies: Concentration year.
Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing
[VitalSource e-reader].
Robbins, S. P., Chatterjee, P., & Canda, E. R. (2012).
Contemporary human behavior theory: A critical perspective for
social work

3. (3
rd
ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.
Colleague 2: Lea
C
ase Background:
The Case of Matt and Keith (Plummer, Makris, and Brocksen,
2014), describes the some of the conflicts that can arise when
parents are faced with parenting children with disabilities. In
this case, Matt and Keith find themselves so consumed with
caring for their children's special needs that they have neglected
the care of their relationship. Furthermore, the men have had
difficulty locating professionals who can support them in caring
for their son, diagnosed with ADHD when he was four years
old.
The conflicts these parents and their family face are numerous.
Some are at the forefront of their day to day lives. For example,
they are working to address their son's behavior problems, but
they are also dealing with their daughter's medical issues (cleft
palate). They also face the conflict that comes with becoming
parents, such as, less time doing things alone or as a couple as
well as navigating different/opposing parenting styles.
Furthermore, they are a gay couple, which comes with its own
set of issues. In this case, both men have left their
Catholic background (possible faith-based support) to worship
in a church is inclusive of non-traditional relationships and
families. The men have sought therapy previously, but found
that the therapist focused on the ADHD aspect of their family,
but not on how to make their family work or their opposing
parenting styles.
Applicable Conflict Theory:
Lewis Coser described "conflict" as unifying or "binding"

4. individuals or groups together that, if used realistically, can
function as a safety valve to release tension and avoid hostility
(Robbins, Chatterjee, and Canda, 2012). The conflict faced by
Matt and Keith are not insurmountable, as they are committed to
their relationship and their family. This "realistic" conflict is
evidenced by their initiative to seek assistance individually and
as a family.
Because of the nature of the couple's non-traditional makeup, a
post-structuralist conflict theory may be an appropriate
approach to applying social work skills with this family. Post-
structuralism challenges universal ideals and grand structures.
What is considered "normal" or "the norm" is only deemed so
because of social constructs (Wendt and Seymore, 2010). Post-
structuralism is not meant to be a "one size fits all" approach.
Wendt and Seymore purport that the social workers employing a
post-structuralist approach to treatment must understand the
difference between "empowering" and "taking power" if she is
going to serve her clients successfully. The authors describe
"empowering" as the act of being given power while "taking
power" suggest the idea that power is a property that one can
take control over and own.
The couple in the case needs to take back the control and power
in their relationship.
Additionally, their son needs the opportunity to take power
over his disability.
Social Work Skills:
As a social worker involved with this family, I would assist this
family in finding and using services as an aid to building a
stronger family relationship, a team environment between
parents, and a professional network to turn to for support. Like
the worker in the case study (Plummer, et. al., 2014), I would
look at solution-based interventions to apply to each of the
couple's concerns: Finding expert care for their son's ADHD,

5. finding respite so that the couple can care for their relationship,
and
seeking
/providing individual, as well as family counseling. Assisting
the family in taking power over their situation will serve to
"bind" them closer together as a couple and a build a stronger
family unit.
References:
Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014).
Social work case studies: Concentration year.
Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing
.
Robbins, S. P., Chatterjee, P., & Canda, E. R. (2012).
Contemporary human behavior theory: A critical perspective for
social work
(3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.
Wendt, S., & Seymour, S. (2010). Applying Post-structuralist
Ideas to Empowerment: Implications for Social Work
Education. Social Work Education, 29(6), 670-682.
doi:10.1080/02615470903342093
RESPONSE 2

6. Respond
to two of your colleagues’ posts by:
·
Offering an alternative medication and strategy to address client
hesitations and support the psychiatrist’s recommendation
·
Offering additional support for the suggested drug and the
strategy to address client hesitations and support the
psychiatrist’s recommendation
·
Detailing current research that corroborates or refutes this drug
and explain how this might impact a physician’s choice of this
drug
Colleague 1: Dawn
The Benefits and Limitations of Antidepressant Medications
Antidepressants are effective often times doctors will prescribe
them when a patient has observed signs of depression. Given the
patient all the information to decide if they chose to try the
medication and which medication is the right one for them. It
may take a while to discuss with the patient to be open to the
idea of taking a medication. Help the patient understand the
reasoning for the medication and explain how it can change the
way they are feeling.
There are many medications when treating depression and this
certain serotonin reuptake inhibitors is the least restrictive
medication that can treat it (Antidepressants: Selecting one
that's right for you, 2011). First the least restrictive would be
better for the patient. Prozac, (Selfemra) is a common
antidepressant that can treat medication with manual side

7. effects such as dry mouth (Antidepressants: Selecting one that's
right for you, 2011). There are benefits since there is a generic
version it may cost less for the patient, little side effects, no
withdrawal affects and no dependency (Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors, n.d.). Limitations of Prozac it may take
longer for the effects of the medication to work (Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, n.d.). Sometimes the anxiety
may increase at first, when discontinuing the medication you
can get flu-like symptoms (Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors, n.d.). Biochemical imbalance sends more supply of
neurotransmitter serotonin to other cells (Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors, n.d.).
Supporting the psychiatrist’s with clients and helps them figure
out the most appropriate pharmaceutical approach for them
(Helping Clients Understand the Role of Medication, 2016).
Help navigate the discussion when a psychiatrist recommends a
medication to a hesitant client. They are lacking the awareness
of the stability the medication can give them if they give it a
chance (Helping Clients Understand the Role of Medication,
2016 ). A medical social worker can make goals and have the
main goal for them to try the medication work them up with
education and understanding of the medication so they will give
it a chance (Helping Clients Understand the Role of Medication,
2016 ). Balancing advocacy to the patient and the psychiatrist is
one of the key roles as a social worker.
References
Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you. (2011).
Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-
depth/antidepressants/art-20046273
Helping Clients Understand the Role of Medication. (2016).
Retrieved from
http://www.bhevolution.org/public/perspectives_201202.page

8. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (n.d.). Retrieved form
http://www.anxirties.com
Colleague 2: Fatima
Citalopram is a SSRI that is used to treat depression. It
functions by blocking the reuptake of 5-HT by neurons
(Lichtblau, 2011). The medication can take anywhere from two
to four weeks to take effect. Once the medication starts to have
a therapeutic effect, it should be taken for at least six months to
prevent relapse. Even though it is a non habit forming drug,
patients should also taper themselves off the medication instead
of an abrupt stop to prevent withdrawal. Compared to MAOIs
and TCAs, citalopram has lower toxicity and fewer side effects
because of its ability to specifically block reuptake of 5-HT
without affecting other receptors (Lichtblau, 2011). However,
high levels of 5-HT in the brain, spinal cord and GI tract can
also cause problems (Lichtblau, 2011). Some of the side effects
include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, changes in sex
drive, heavy menstrual periods, and excessive tiredness
(National Institute of Mental Health, 2008).
According to Preston, O’Neal, and Talaga (2017), a change in
physiological symptoms is currently the most reliable way of
determining if a patient is experiencing depression. Without
knowledge of these symptoms, one may not realize how
depression is negatively affecting the individual. Preston et. al
(2017) also state that in eighty percent of the cases, medicine is
effective in treating the physiological symptoms of depression.
If a client is hesitant to take medication, they should be
informed of the physiological changes they are experiencing as

9. a result of their depression and the high likelihood that
medication will help bring them back to normal functioning. In
the case of citalopram, the patient should understand that
although it is not guaranteed that it will help them specifically,
it is a good place to start. Depending on the type of depression
the patient is experiencing, one should also inform them about
the risk of relapse if recovery is not achieved. Also, medication
is not a replacement for psychotherapy. If the patient engages in
both forms of therapy, they will have a better experience with
recovery.
Lichtblau, L. (2011).
Psychopharmacology demystified
. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017).
Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists
(8th ed.)
.
Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
RESPONSE 3
Respond
to two of your colleagues’ posts from a different group who
posted to a different Depression Case Study by:
o

10. Offering an alternative medication to address the major
symptoms identified that indicate depression
o
Detailing current research that corroborates or refutes this drug
and explain how this might impact a physician’s choice of this
drug
o
Offering another strategy that might address the challenges that
may arise in the initial stages of treatment
Colleague 1: Dawn
Group B
Depression Case Study for Paulette
The Role of Mental Health Professionals in the Initial Stages of
Psychopharmacological Intervention
Paulette major symptoms that show depression Paulette is not
interested in her usual activities anymore and has low energy.
Her recently eating habits she may feel stress so she is eating
more with her recent weight gain. A medication that might be
prescribed to treat Paulette depression could try Lamictal
because I would suggest she should not take a medication that
could cause seizures even though it was 10 years from her last
one. This medication is to treat epileptic seizures, therefore, it
would be safe when it came causing her to have a seizure (What
is Lamictal, 2017) Lamictal also treats mood episodes in adults
(What is Lamictal, 2017).

11. A mental health professional should explain to the client and
give them the awareness of medication and related side effects
about the medication that they are prescribed (Effects of
Psychiatric Drugs, n.d.). They should explain the truth about
these psychiatric medications and discuss the pros and cons of
the medication to make sure the reason for taking them
outweighs the side effects (Effects of Psychiatric Drugs,
n.d.).They should educate what to expect and explain the
important information before taking these medications and what
to avoid and most of all do not stop using any medication
suddenly to follow the directions when taking it.
A potential challenge that might impact the client in the first
stages of psychopharmacological intervention the medication
does not work. The medication side effects become increasing
difficult such as excessive thoughts of suicide. This reason will
outweigh any reason for taking the medication. Another
potential challenge is if other symptoms arise and you realized
they are misdiagnosed and the medication should be changed.
One strategy a mental health professional might use to discuss
challenges that arise in the first stages of treatment would be to
ween them off of their medication and watch them closely. Then
decide what medication would be a better fit.
References
Effects of Psychiatric Drugs. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://medicalwhistleblowernetwork.jigsy.com/psychiatric-
drugs-side-effects-
What is Lamictal? (2017). Retrieved from
https://www.drugs.com/lamictal.html

12. Colleague 2: Aisha
The major symptoms in John’s case that indicate depression is
his change in eating, sleeping, feelings of guilt and loss of
interest. In the DSM V the diagnosis criteria for depression
includes; having a depressed mood nearly every day, noticeable
decline in interest or pleasure, weight loss, insomnia, loss of
energy and feeling of worthlessness or guilt (
American Psychiatric Association, 2013
)
The medications I would use in John’s case are
venlafaxine(Effexor) and bupropion(Wellbutrin). John main
concern about taking medications is not being able to perform
sexually (
Preston, O’Neal & Talaga, 2017
). Bupropion is a medication I would choose, because it has
fewer sexual side effects (
Preston, O’Neal & Talaga, 2017
). After going over different antidepressants, there is not one
medication that is superior to the other (
Preston, O’Neal & Talaga, 2017
). I believe one of the concern when prescribing antidepressant
is based on the side effects. The other medication that I would
choose is venlafaxine because it can be adjusted to improve
Johns treatment (
Lichtblau, L. (2011
). According to
Lichtblau (2011) “
the efficacy of most antidepressants does not change as the dose

13. is escalated, raising the dose of venlafaxine improve efficacy”
(p.29)
As mental health professionals, our role in raising client’s
awareness is to educate them. John learned about anxiety
medications from his friends and their experience with them.
Their experiences caused John to have doubts about anxiety
medications. As mental health professional, I would let John no
that not everyone responds to medication the same. The
challenges that John may have is being consistent with taking
the medication and patient. The first stage of treatment is when
the individual first start taking the medication, which can be
from 6 to 8 weeks before individual is asymptomatic (
Preston, O’Neal & Talaga, 2017
). The strategies I would use to address challenges is to
encourage John to keep up with his dosage and log them down
daily along with how he was feeling. I would also suggest John
continue coming to counseling to discuss his progress and
concerns about the medication.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013).
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Lichtblau, L. (2011).
Psychopharmacology demystified
. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017).
Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists
(8th ed.)
.
Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
****Each response needs to be 1/2 with one reference****