University of Phoenix Material - Research Paper Example

University of Phoenix MaterialCritical Issue AnalysisAfter reading the selected critical issue, use the following questions to analyze the issue.What are at least two facts presented by each side of the critical issue? a. Psychologists cannot currently prescribe medication in most states in America. b. There are significantly more psychologists practicing than psychiatrists.What are at least two opinions presented by each side of the critical issue? a. Those who support allowing psychologists to prescribe medicines feel that this is most beneficial to the patients.

Patients who visit a psychologist and need medication cannot currently receive it in most states. In order to access medication, they would have to schedule other appointments with a M.D. or visit a hospital. This speed of treatment could be critical in a serious case. Also, most psychologists understand and are acquainted with psychopharmacology and are equipped with the knowledge needed to prescribe medication. b. Those who oppose allowing psychologists to prescribe medicine feel that psychologists do not have the medical training necessary to understand the medications that they would be prescribing.

This could result in drug interactions leading to serious illness or injury. They also want to maintain the separation between psychology and psychiatry. Combining the two disciplines waters down the strengths of each, the medication side of psychiatry and the behavioral side of psychology.What are some of the strengths associated with the Pro side of the issue? What are some of the weaknesses? a. The greatest strength associated with the pro side of the issue is that allowing psychologist to proscribe medication provides immediate help to the patient.

A patient in crisis who consults a psychologist may be reticent to go to a hospital for help because of negative associations with hospitals in his/her mind, but the psychologist would be able to provide immediate help. Also, psychologists keep up with the latest advances in psychopharmacology and understand how and when to prescribe medication. b. The weakness is that allowing psychologists to prescribe drugs only contributes to the over-prescription of medications. It can lead to drug interactions and other physical and social issues.

Psychologists might understand psychopharmacology but not other fields of pharmacology. Therefore, a psychologist might inadvertently prescribe a medication for depression that interferes with a patient’s heart medication, triggering serious consequences.What are some of the strengths associated with the Con side of the issue? What are some of the weaknesses? a. The greatest strength of the con side of the issue is that psychologists lack the full medical training necessary to prescribe drugs.

Psychologists are experts in the mind, but doctors are experts in the physical body. To avoid problems of drug misuse and interactions, a psychologist would need comprehensive medical training to prescribe drugs. But, psychologists already have the opportunity to pursue the medical side of psychology by specializing in psychiatry. b. One of the weaknesses of not allowing psychologists to prescribe drugs is that many patients would go without help they desperately need. Many people who suffer from mental illnesses only trust a few select people.

Oftentimes, the person they trust is a psychologist. Some disorders need drug treatment, and the psychologist is unable to provide this and often cannot convince the patient to seek medical treatment.How credible were the authors of each argument? Explain your answer. Based on the argument alone, both authors were credible. Their arguments were logically structured and well-reasoned. Also, both authors were experts in their field. Without understanding the field, neither author would be able to make salient points.

However, their expertise also means that there might be some bias present in their arguments.Based on the statements presented in this critical issue, which author do you agree with? Why? I agree that psychologists should be able to prescribe medication if they receive proper medical training. From personal experience, I know that many people who are suffering from a mental illness will not seek help in a hospital. One of my acquaintances was sexually assaulted at a hospital and refuses to be treated there.

She also has a mental illness. So, if a psychologist could prescribe medication, it would be much more comfortable for her.Which side of this critical issue does contemporary research support? Please provide specific examples in your response. Current research supports the ability of psychologists to prescribe medication. Should psychologists be able to prescribe drugs? (2002). Electronic Ardell Wellness Report (E-AWR), 36.Details the passage of laws in New Mexico that allow psychologists to prescribe medication.

Van Winkle, K. A. (2010). Prescription privileges for non-MDs. Annals Of The American Psychotherapy Association, 13(2), 62-64.Details expansion of prescription privileges after New Mexico allowed psychologists to prescribe medication.Moore, B. A., & McGrath, R. E. (2007). How prescriptive authority for psychologists would help service members in Iraq. Professional Psychology: Research & Practice, 38(2), 191-195. doi:10.1037/0735-7028.38.2.191Describes how allowing psychologists to prescribe medication would help military servicemen.

Norfleet, M. (2002). Responding to society's needs: Prescription privileges for psychologists. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(6), 599-610.Examines the needs of the people to access medication through a psychologist and how the role of psychologist is changing.