Atypical depressed individuals tend to sleep excessively, eat too much (particularly carbohydrates and lots of simple sugars), experience an often profound reactive dysphoria (melancholia) and tend to be very sensitive to interpersonal rejection. This depression is characterized by lethargy and often significant debilitation. Also, approximately 80 percent of atypical depressives meet diagnostic criteria for phobias [...]
In this final installment of my blog series on helping clients overcome resistance to psychotropic medication I address how fear impacts decision making. Previous posts have examined The Shame Factor, Family Interference and Ambivalence. 4. Fear. Two often expressed issues that invoke clients’ fear of psychotropic medication are: (a) medication will, in some way, “change [...]
The third reason fostering client resistance to psychotropic medication is ambivalence. Here I address that issue, and how you can help. 3. Ambivalence. Practitioners at all levels of experience know that getting clients to overcome their resistance toward psychotropic medication is not necessarily easy. Many clients assess the odds associated with considering medication options for [...]
Last week, I discussed the “shame factor” as a reason for psychotropic medication resistance and/or refusal, and addressed some ways for helping your clients overcome shame issues. This week’s post focuses on family interference and how you can help. 2. Family Interference. Face it clinicians, family members are our de-facto healthcare specialists. They have likely [...]