The “Other” Effects of Psychotropic Medication: Social Workers’ Perspectives on the Psychosocial Effects of Medication Treatment on Adolescent Clients |
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Authors: | Tally Moses |
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Institution: | (1) School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin—Madison, 1350 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706, USA |
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Abstract: | This study explores social workers’ perspectives on the psychosocial effects of psychotropic drug treatment of their adolescent
clients. Using a mail survey, we asked a national sample of experienced clinical social workers to answer questions about
their perceptions of the effects of such treatment on the sense of self and social well-being of an adolescent client. The
survey questions also explored associations between perceived psychosocial medication effects and characteristics of the client
and the treatment. The findings suggested that social workers viewed medication treatment as having greater beneficial than
harmful psychosocial effects on their adolescent clients, but that both effects existed simultaneously. The most important
factors associated with the perceived effects of medication that emerged from social workers’ reports included the etiology
of the disorder, the type of drug treatment and its effectiveness in addressing symptoms, the client’s “competence,” and the
quality of the relationship between the client and the treating social worker. This study provides direction for future research
on a neglected but important question. It would be helpful to broaden the scope of professional discourse on the advantages
and disadvantages of psychopharmacologic treatment for youth beyond the effectiveness or safety of the treatment to include
questions concerning clinicians’ perceptions of the effects of drug treatment on youths’ sense of self and social well-being. |
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Keywords: | Social workers Drug therapy Adolescents Psychosocial Well-being |
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