Lithium Therapy And Its Interactions Essay Assignment

 Diagnosis

Camilla is diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder, a mood condition marked by periodic periods of sadness and hypomania. The DSM-5 defines Bipolar II Disorder as having at least one episode of significant depression and one episode of hypomania (Luty, 2020). Camilla’s clinical presentation includes recurring depressive episodes and recent hypomania, with fluctuating emotional states, decreased sleep need, extreme energy, impulsivity, and difficulty at work.

Medication Management

To manage her depressed episodes, Camilla should begin lithium medication, a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar illness (Fountoulakis, 2022). Medication changes should be made to manage her depressed episodes, as discontinuing Prozac aggravated her weariness (Wang, 2022). Psychoeducation about Bipolar II Disorder, its nature, and potential negative effects should be provided. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) should be considered for better mood symptoms and stress management. Lithium Therapy And Its Interactions Essay Assignment

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Lifestyle changes should include creating a structured daily regimen to normalize sleep patterns, promoting regular exercise and a healthy diet, and emphasizing stress management strategies and mindfulness practices.

Specific Lab Tests:

Before starting lithium therapy, Camilla should undergo baseline blood tests, including CBC, CMP, and thyroid function tests, to rule out any medical contraindications. Regular lithium level monitoring is crucial to ensure they remain within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) (Stahl, 2020). Regular thyroid function tests are necessary to detect any abnormalities. Regular kidney function tests are necessary as lithium excreted through the kidneys can cause renal toxicity if levels become too high. Specific education is necessary for lithium use.

Education about lithium use is crucial, including potential side effects like tremors, weight gain, and hypothyroidism. Camilla should maintain a consistent intake of salt and water, avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or diuretics without consulting a healthcare provider, and be monitored regularly for lithium levels (Malhi, 2020). A baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) should also be obtained to monitor for any potential cardiac side effects. Lithium Therapy And Its Interactions Essay Assignment

References

Fountoulakis, K. N. (2022). Lithium treatment of Bipolar disorder in adults: A systematic review of randomized trials and meta-analyses. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 54, 100-115.

Luty, J. (2020). ordering on the bipolar: a review of criteria for ICD-11 and DSM-5 persistent mood disorders. BJPsych Advances, 26(1), 50-57.

Malhi, G. S. (2020). Lithium therapy and its interactions. Australian Prescriber, 43(3), 91.

Stahl, S. M. (2020). Prescriber’s guide: Stahl’s essential psychopharmacology. Cambridge University Press.

Wang, E. (2022). The Controversy Over the Use of Prozac Because of Side Effects. In 2021 International Conference on Public Art and Human Development (ICPAHD 2021) (pp. 128-132). Atlantis Press.

Signature Assignment Case Analysis
Camilla is a 27 yo female who was referred by her PCP for mood swings.

Client reports she is doing well this last week after a 4 week period of feeling depressed with amotivation, anergia, anhedonia. Her Prozac was dc’d last week as she felt it was making her more tired. Lithium Therapy And Its Interactions Essay Assignment

On exam, mood is episodically irritable alternating with some euphoria. She has been sleeping 3-4 hours per night and endorses “lots of energy” during the day. She has been enjoying considerable online shopping and nightly socializing with her friends. She denies using any alcohol or substances. She has called in sick from work to engage in late night activities and is fearful she may lose her job for “feeling high” and being “really distracted by everything.” She denies psychosis or suicidal ideation at this time.

Client gives PPH: first episode of depression in her late teens with suicidal ideation without attempt. This has occurred 4-5 times over the years and her PCP has prescribed different medications. Only within the last year did she begin to experience hypomania.

She denies any PMH

FH: paternal grandmother with h/o “mood swings” – “I think she was on medication. I know she went away to the hospital a couple of times.”

Please outline: Lithium Therapy And Its Interactions Essay Assignment

Diagnosis
Treatment plan including medications, testing to r/o medical etiology, lab tests, education.
This client will be placed on LiCO3 – what specific education is necessary, what specific labs tests prior and ongoing, potential drug interactions, safety concerns with the use of lithium.. Ongoing labs you believe need to be monitored.
Please site 4 references for diagnosis, treatment – specifically DSM – TR 5 and Stahl Essential Psychopharmacology Prescriber’s Guide or Epocrates Lithium Therapy And Its Interactions Essay Assignment