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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The final assignment for this class will be a 10-page critical review of the drug treatment for a neuropsychological disorder. The review will use peer-reviewed and/or scholarly sources to provide an evidence base for the evaluation of current drug treatment modalities for the disorder. The disorder is the same disorder you selected in week 1 and for which you discussed its neurobiology in the Week 1 assignment (topic selection) and its drug management in the Week 2 assignment (drug treatment). Please remember – you will be analyzing the same disorder to complete the Week 6 assignment (comprehensive Critical Review of the same disorder and its management).Reminder – your completed Week 1 and Week 2 assignments will be used as a foundation to help you complete your Week 6 assignment (Critical Review) on the same disorder. Thus, your work in Week 1 and in Week 2 will be used to support your work in Week 6. Utilize the previous references you researched in Week 1 and Week 2, and add any additional peer-reviewed/scholarly references that would support your comprehensive review. These sources should provide evidence-based information to help support your comprehensive analysis, focusing on the aspects described below. Be sure to cite your sources in your paper and include them on your References page. You may utilize required or recommended course materials in your work, but these will not count towards the reference requirements; however, you may cite and reference the American Psychiatric Association’s (2013) DSM-5 as one of your sources used for the grading credit.
The paper will be evaluated on the inclusion of the following information.
Introduction:
Evaluate the disorder in terms of symptomatic and behavioral presentation. Include the time, course, and progression of the disorder. Evaluate and explain special features of the disease epidemiology including risk factors for development of the disorder, lifespan and reproductive factors increasing risk of developing the disorder, and any genetic, environmental, or behavioral factors that increase risk.
Theory:
Evaluate the predominant theory or theories regarding the biological basis of the disorder. Explain the disorder in terms of pertinent neurotransmitter and receptor theories and use your references to provide an evidence base for these theories. Analyze neurotransmitter system(s) involved in the pathology of the disorder, including a description of: 1) the involved neurotransmitter(s) and receptor(s), 2) regions of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system) involved with any pathological anatomical changes, and 3) abnormalities of neural circuits and pathways. Include an explanation of how receptor agonists or antagonists would theoretically treat the disorder to reverse the pathology and restore normal function, or why they would be expected to improve symptoms.
Treatment:
Evaluate drug therapies for treating the disorder based on the current understanding of the biological basis of the disorder. Include a description of the behavioral symptoms and physical signs of the disorder and identify the drug class(es) used in pharmacological therapy with a discussion of the mechanism of action of the drug class(es). Explain why the pharmacodynamics of the drug class(es) would affect the pathology of the disorder to restore function and/or improve symptoms. Include a discussion of the drug pharmacokinetics for each drug class. Provide examples of available marketed drugs within each class. Describe any drug side effects and/or adverse effects of the drug treatment and their biological basis, including issues related to contraindications, interactions, drug metabolism, and elimination. In addition, explain risks, benefits, and ethical implications for high-risk and exceptional treatment conditions.
Conclusion:
Summarize theories of neuropsychological disorders as they relate to principles of drug action for that selected disorder. Provide a synopsis of the evidence base that supports or disproves current theories regarding the pathology of the disorder, advantages and disadvantages of current drug treatment(s). Lastly, evaluate any controversies regarding ethical and/or risk-benefit perspectives associated with the current treatment(s). Describe possible areas for future research.

in what ways might there be cultural differences between yourself as a provider and Alberto?  Include specific examples or questions you might use for self-reflection or want to understand about Alberto in order to work with him from a Cultural Humility approach.  (Include concepts of cultural humility from the video and/or the lecture).  
Scenario adapted from A Treatment Improvement Protocol Trauma Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services
Alberto, a 30-year old Hispanic male is brought by his parents to a community mental health clinic near their home in rural Indiana. During the intake process, the counselor learns that Alberto is an Army Reservist who returned from 12 months of combat duty 3 years ago.  The war experience changed him in many ways.  His deployment pulled him away from veterinary school as well as the strong emotional support of family, friends, and fellow classmates. He got along well with his unit in Iraq and had no disciplinary problems. While there he served as a truck driver in the Sunni Triangle.  His convoy was attacked often by small arms fire and was once struck by an improvised explosive device.  Although Alberto sustained only minor injuries, two of his closest friends were killed.  With each successive convoy, his level of fear and foreboding grew, but he continued performing as a driver.
Since returning to the United States, he has mostly stayed at home and has not returned to school, although he is helping out on the farm with various chores.  Alberto has isolated himself from both family members and lifelong friends, saying he doesn’t think others can understand what he went through and that he prefers being alone. He reports to the therapist and his parents that he is vaguely afraid to be in cars and feels most comfortable in his bedroom or working alone or doing routine tasks at home.  Alberto also says that he now understands how fragile life can be.
He has admitted to his parents that he drinks alcohol on a regular basis, something he did not do before his deployment, and that on occasion, he has experienced blackouts.  Alberto feels he needs a drink before talking with strangers or joining groups of friends or family.  He confided to his father that he isolates himself so that he can drink without having to explain his drinking to others.