WK5+discu+Post.docx - Post a description of the...

Post a description of the neurological disorder you selected including types of drugs that would
be prescribed to patients to treat associated symptoms. Then, explain how the factor you selected
might impact the effects of prescribed drugs, as well as any measures you might take to help
reduce negative side effects.
Initial Post
Neurological Disorder
Arcangelo & Peterson (2013), stated that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most
common mental disorder in the nation and is characterized by changes in cognition, behavior,
psychomotor, and physical functioning. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) MDD
accounts for 3.7% of disabilities in the United States (US) and has been the heaviest burden of
disability compared to other behavioral health disorders. In this paper we will discuss the
recommended medications to treat MDD, factors that may alter therapeutic response to drug
therapy, and the precautions taken to limit negative side effects.
Diagnostic Criteria
According to the American Psychological Association (2013), criteria for MDD is five or
more of the following symptoms have been present for a period of two weeks; depressed mood,
lack of interest in regular activities, weight loss or gain, insomnia or oversleeping, psychomotor
agitation or slowing, fatigue or lack of energy, worthlessness or excessive guilt, lack of
concentration or indecisiveness, and recurrent thought of death or suicidal ideation with or
without a plan. These five or more symptoms must cause clinically significant distress in social,
occupational, academic, or any other important areas of functioning. The symptoms cannot be
attributable to a medical condition or substance abuse. According to the National Institute of

Health Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2017) in 2015, about 16.1
million adults in the U.S. representing 6.7% of all adults in the U.S. had at least one MDD
episode.