Post a brief explanation of the psychological disorder presented and the decision steps you applied in completing the interactive media piece for the psychological disorder you selected

For this discussion, I have selected the interactive media piece “Treating Major Depressive Disorder.” Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities.

In completing the interactive media piece for MDD, the decision steps I applied included identifying the patient’s symptoms, assessing their severity, determining their past medication history and comorbidities, and selecting an appropriate pharmacotherapeutic.

Based on the patient’s symptoms and medical history, I recommended the use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) as the most effective pharmacotherapeutic. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.

The administration of an SSRI may impact the patient’s pathophysiology in several ways. First, SSRIs can lead to changes in the brain’s chemistry by altering the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. This can result in a reduction of symptoms associated with depression. However, SSRIs may also lead to unwanted side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction.

To suggest treatment plans for this patient, it is important to consider the potential impacts of pharmacotherapeutics on their pathophysiology. For instance, if the patient is experiencing side effects associated with an SSRI, alternative medications or therapy options may be considered. Additionally, ongoing monitoring of the patient’s symptoms and any potential adverse effects associated with pharmacotherapeutics is essential to ensure the patient receives safe and effective treatment.