Therapy for Pediatric Clients
Introduction
Depressive symptoms among children are one of the common conditions among African-American families. Treatment of depressive symptoms among children requires a careful prescription of medication to prevent negative side effects. For instance, Zoloft is one of the evidence-based medication used to treat depression among children, but with significant side effects. One of the side effects is suicidal thoughts among children. FDA experts provide a precaution to clinicians in pediatric departments that prescription of small amounts is necessary (Estévez-Calvar et al., 2017). Therefore, in the current condition, the patient has presented with various conditions. One of the best medications is Zoloft 50mg orally daily. The dosage should be increased to 50mg orally daily if the patient does not show significant improvement. In decision 2 the patient demonstrated significant improvement due to reduced depressive symptoms. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the dosage since the depressive symptoms are already reducing. Treatment of pediatric patients using the Zoloft dosage requires caution to reduce the risk of side effects.
Decision #1
The first decision is to select Zoloft 25mg orally daily to treat depression. I will recommend the patient to return to the clinic after two weeks. When the patient returns to the clinic there is no change in depressive symptoms. The reason for prescribing the medication is that off-label drugs are effective in treating depression among pediatrics (Magellan Health, Inc, 2013). According to randomized control trials, Zoloft is safe and effective in children to treat mood disorders. The decision intends to improve the patient’s condition such as sleep and appetite (Estévez-Calvar et al., 2017). Zoloft can increase child interaction and less withdrawal from peers (Magellan Health, Inc, 2013). If the expectations of the medication are met, the prescription will continue until the next Depressive symptoms in children are a common problem in African-American families. To avoid negative side effects, treatment of depressive symptoms in children requires careful medication prescription. For example, Zoloft is an evidence-based medication used to treat pediatric depression, but it has significant side effects. Suicidal thoughts in children are one of the side effects. FDA experts warn clinicians in pediatric departments that prescriptions for small amounts are required (Estévez-Calvar et al., 2017). As a result, the patient is currently suffering from a variety of ailments. Zoloft 50mg orally daily is one of the best medications. If the patient does not show significant improvement, the dosage should be increased to 50mg orally daily. In decision 2, the patient showed significant improvement as a result of reduced depressive symptoms. As a result, increasing the dosage is unnecessary because the depressive symptoms are already subsiding. To reduce the risk of side effects, pediatric patients should be treated with caution when taking Zoloft.appointment.
When the client returns to the clinic after two weeks, there is no change in the depressive symptoms. The difference between what was expected and what was achieved is the dosage. If the dosage increases to 50mg the expected outcomes are likely to be realized.
Decision #2
The second decision is to increase the Zoloft dosage to 50mg orally daily for 2 weeks. The purpose of increasing the dose to 50mg is to increase the therapeutic ability of the medication. Notably, the medication intends to improve various symptoms such as sleep, interaction with peers, mood, and appetite (Stahl, 2013). The expected result is a reduction of depressive symptoms. The decision will also focus on monitoring the side effects of the high dosage.
When the patient returns to the clinic after 2 weeks the symptoms had improved significantly. The depressive symptoms decreased by 50% showing the increase in dosage was significant. The results of decision 2 were similar to the expected results.
Decision #3
Decision 3 was to maintain Zoloft 50mg orally daily. The intention of maintaining the drug is to improve depressive symptoms. The patient is also not demonstrating side effects which shows the medication is effective and friendly. One of the side effects of a high dosage of Zoloft is suicidal thoughts (Estévez-Calvar et al., 2017). The side effects should be monitored since it has not emerged yet. There is a similarity between the expected outcomes and the results since the patient had reduced depressive intentions. The results were similar since the dosage had a therapeutic ability to suppress depressive symptoms such as sleep, appetite, and interaction with others. It is not essential to change the medication since the patient is showing improvement with no side effects.
Ethical Considerations
The ethical considerations are important in balancing between treatment and limiting the side effects. For instance, Zoloft can trigger suicidal thoughts which can put a patient at risk (Gordon & Melvin, 2014). Clinicians who are planning to prescribe Zoloft should monitor the side effects. For instance, the Food and Drugs Authority requires pharmaceutical companies to label drugs with the caution of suicidal thoughts. Therefore, children below 18 years cannot decide on taking Zoloft without parental approval according to FDA regulations (Gordon & Melvin, 2014). Clinicians should, thus, acquire approval of a parent or guardian before prescribing medication. Patients should be informed about the ethical requirements of the drug. It is essential to inform African-American communities that the treatment of depressive symptoms requires medical attention apart from faith and spirituality.
Conclusion
FDA advises clinicians to always prescribe small amounts of Zoloft to reduce the risk of overdose or side effects. It is important to monitor patients closely to avoid side effects such as suicidal thoughts that can lead to death. FDA recommends that the use of Zoloft should be accompanied by the approval of a parent or guardian. It is the role of a psychiatrist or mental health professional to increase the knowledge of depressive symptoms and the ethical requirements of the drugs. Psychotropic medication is essential for children with depressive and anxiety disorders. Depression is one of the major health conditions affecting children in African-American communities. The three major decisions are subsequent monitoring was critical to prevent possible overdose.
References
Estévez-Calvar, N., Canesi, L., Montagna, M., Faimali, M., Piazza, V., & Garaventa, F. (2017). Adverse effects of the SSRI antidepressant sertraline on the early life stages of marine invertebrates. Marine Environmental Research, 128, 88-97.
Gordon, M. S., & Melvin, G. A. (2014). Do antidepressants make children and adolescents suicidal? Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health, 50(11), 847–854. DOI:10.1111/jpc.12655
Magellan Health, Inc. (2013). Appropriate use of psychotropic drugs in children and adolescents: A clinical monograph. Retrieved from http://www.magellanhealth.com/media/445492/magellan-psychotropicdrugs-0203141.pdf
Stahl, S. M. (2013). Stahl’s essential psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific basis and practical applications (4th ed.). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
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