SOUTH UNIVERSITY NSG 8105
WEEK 10 ASSIGNMENT
,Running head: INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW 1
Importance of Training in Reducing Effects of Psychotropic Drugs
Anita Whitfield
South University
, INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW 2
Importance of Training in Reducing Effects of Psychotropic Drugs
Introduction
Writing a prescription to treat a mental health disorder is easy, but it may not always be
the most effective or safest route for the patients. According to Barczyk, Rucklidge, Eggleston,
and Mulder (2020), there have been concerns raised against the prescription of psychotropic
drugs on the elderly. Today, patients often receive psychotropic medication without necessarily
receiving an adequate evaluation of pros and cons of this administration by a health professional.
A significant number of mental health professionals administer psychotropic medication without
adequately evaluating the patient to determine the effectiveness of these drugs; this often leads to
complications. Many elderly people visit their primary-care physicians, and many are given a
prescription of some antidepressant or other related drugs without going through other evidence-
based treatment approaches. Some cognitive behavioral therapy that might work effectively for
the patient as compared to using psychotropic medication (Gulla, Selbaek, Flo, Kjome,
Kirkevold, & Husebo, 2016). The prescription of psychotropic drugs leads to several
complications among the elderly between the 65-95-year-old. The purpose of this scholarly
article is to evaluate the importance of education regarding appropriate alternatives and
prescribing practices for psychotropic medications in reducing complications among the elderly
population between 65 and 95 years.
Background
The use of psychotropic drugs has been increasing for the past two decades. According to
Olajide, Mansfield, Olubankole and Udoka (2016), psychotropic drugs increased by 22%
between 2010 and 2019. Despite its increased use, the drug has significant side effects if not
WEEK 10 ASSIGNMENT
,Running head: INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW 1
Importance of Training in Reducing Effects of Psychotropic Drugs
Anita Whitfield
South University
, INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW 2
Importance of Training in Reducing Effects of Psychotropic Drugs
Introduction
Writing a prescription to treat a mental health disorder is easy, but it may not always be
the most effective or safest route for the patients. According to Barczyk, Rucklidge, Eggleston,
and Mulder (2020), there have been concerns raised against the prescription of psychotropic
drugs on the elderly. Today, patients often receive psychotropic medication without necessarily
receiving an adequate evaluation of pros and cons of this administration by a health professional.
A significant number of mental health professionals administer psychotropic medication without
adequately evaluating the patient to determine the effectiveness of these drugs; this often leads to
complications. Many elderly people visit their primary-care physicians, and many are given a
prescription of some antidepressant or other related drugs without going through other evidence-
based treatment approaches. Some cognitive behavioral therapy that might work effectively for
the patient as compared to using psychotropic medication (Gulla, Selbaek, Flo, Kjome,
Kirkevold, & Husebo, 2016). The prescription of psychotropic drugs leads to several
complications among the elderly between the 65-95-year-old. The purpose of this scholarly
article is to evaluate the importance of education regarding appropriate alternatives and
prescribing practices for psychotropic medications in reducing complications among the elderly
population between 65 and 95 years.
Background
The use of psychotropic drugs has been increasing for the past two decades. According to
Olajide, Mansfield, Olubankole and Udoka (2016), psychotropic drugs increased by 22%
between 2010 and 2019. Despite its increased use, the drug has significant side effects if not
