During the course of treatment, a client stated that he has been unable to sleep successfully for the past year.
His psychiatrist prescribed the sleep aid zolpidem. Because of the medication, he was immediately able to
sleep. However, after 1 month of treatment, the client discovered euphoric episodes that occur if he resists
falling asleep. The episodes induced waves of positive emotions and hallucinations, which he described as
feeling “trippy.” The mental health professional recognized that the client is abusing the sleep aid. How should
the mental health professional address this issue? How will this affect his current treatment plan?
For this Discussion,
Choose one of the following controversies involving special client populations and take a position:
Psychiatrists prescribing a potentially addictive sleep aid to adolescents
Psychiatrists prescribing sleep aids to clients in recovery from substance abuse
Psychiatrists prescribing sleep aids for conditions where the primary symptom is not insomnia
Then, conduct an Internet search or a Walden Library search for at least two peer-reviewed articles to support
your position of your selected controversy.
By Day 3
Post an explanation of the controversy you selected. Formulate a position on the topic and support your stance
with the peer-reviewed articles you found in your search.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.
Required Readings
Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
Chapter 6, “Anxiolytic-Sedative-Hypnotic Drug Pharmacotherapy” (previously read in Week 5)
Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists
(8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
Chapter 15, “Other Miscellaneous Disorders” (pp. 161-174)
Murdach, A. D. (2006). Social work and malingering. Health & Social Work, 31(2), 155-8.
doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1093/hsw/31.2.155
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2014). Brain basics: Understanding sleep. Retrieved
from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/understanding_sleep.htm#sleep_disorders
As you review this website, consider the types of sleep disorders associated with mental health treatment.
Optional Resources
MSW home page
Use this link to access the MSW home page, which provides resources for your social work program