Depression and anxiety are conditions that are not easily identifiable, and one has to take keen measures to come up with an appropriate intervention plan for individuals experiencing this disorder (Wang & Gorenstein, 2013). Different screening tools can be used to screen for anxiety and depression. As a medical practitioner handling Ms. Lansing’s case, I would adopt the Beck depression and anxiety rating scale to understand her condition better.
Ensuring effective medication compliance will enable Ms. Lansing to appropriately deal with her condition to prevent negative effects on pharmacological interventions for depression and anxiety. Conducting routine visits also allows me to know how Ms. Lansing is coping with her treatment and determine whether the intervention plan adopted is effective. After learning that Ms. Lansing is using St. John’s Wort to intervene for her condition together with the prescribed anti-depressant drugs, I would advise and educate her on the drug-to-drug relations, and the various complications brought about by combining St. John’s Wort with other medications.
Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are majorly known for their significant impact on treating depression and anxiety. The recommended drug also helps in treating individuals suffering from chronic pain, which affects their wellbeing. The metabolism for this drug requires a clear understanding of the drug-drug relations and the adverse effects that the inhibitors might bring about. SNRIs are always administered in the form of tablets which are advisable that the patient begins with the lowest dosage possible to observe the performance of the drug, which is taken for approximately four weeks.
Before administering SNRIs to the patient, I will ensure that I have a great understanding of the patient’s treatment history to help avoid the negative implications of drug-to-drug relations during the intervention process. Acquiring in-depth information about the patient’s herbal pretreatment will also help in reducing clinical risks associated with the medication. Some of the major adverse effects of using Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors to treat depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other mood disorders include nausea, patient experience dryness in the mouth, and too much sweating, and development of poor eating habits. Other dangerous impacts of using this medication also entail increased blood pressure and liver problems. Conducting proper patient education will also help in dealing with and understanding how to use the medication effectively.
Reference
Wang, Y., & Gorenstein, C. (2013). Assessment of depression in medical patients: A systematic review of the utility of the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Clinics, 68(9), 1274–1287. Web.