DSM-IV says nothing about biochemistry of disorder, or
qualitative differences between and within diagnostic
categories
Prescribing Psychotropics
Many psychotropics are prescribed by family doctors
They tend to prescribe too little for too short a time for may
disorders
Psychologists can help clients...
set expectations
weigh benefits and side-effects
know the effectiveness of drug therapy
watch for interactions
set goals for drug therapy
Who is a Candidate for Meds?
Intense panic
Vegitative Depression
Intense Cognitive Symptoms
Bulimia
Poor response to other treatments
The Split Treatment Model
One clinician provides therapy, another dispenses
medication
Comes from psychoanalysts reluctance to medicate their own
patients; the view that only some disorders are biological; and
the "turf" wars between psychology and psychiatry
"Cons" of Referring Clients for Meds
meds foster passivity/dependence
meds numb emotions
meds decrease motivation through symptom relief
meds prevent patients from owning changes
meds promote a sense of weakness in the client
fear that psychiatrists will steal their patients
fear that insurance companies will deny therapy
Benefits of the Split Treatment Model
Works well if MD/Therapist have a good working
relationship