Psychopharmacology and Co-occurring Disorders Flashcards
7 cards from real NCMHCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Psychopharmacology and Co-occurring Disorders flashcards as text
A client with bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder is stabilized on lithium. Which concern is MOST clinically significant when the client begins drinking heavily again?
Answer: Alcohol causes lithium toxicity by reducing renal clearance
Heavy alcohol use causes dehydration, which reduces renal clearance of lithium and can precipitate toxicity.
A client diagnosed with PTSD and opioid use disorder is being considered for medication-assisted treatment. Which medication is MOST appropriate given both conditions?
Answer: Naltrexone extended-release injection
Extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) is preferred for clients with PTSD and OUD because it blocks opioid receptors without abuse potential and does not require daily dosing.
Which of the following SSRIs is FDA-approved for BOTH major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults?
Answer: Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine (Prozac) has FDA approval for MDD, OCD, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and bipolar depression (in combination).
A client with schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder reports that smoking marijuana reduces their anxiety. What is the counselor's BEST clinical response?
Answer: Validate their experience while educating on cannabis-induced psychosis risk
Motivational and psychoeducational approaches validate the client's experience while addressing the evidence that cannabis significantly worsens psychotic symptoms long-term.
Disulfiram (Antabuse) works by inhibiting which enzyme, causing acetaldehyde buildup when alcohol is consumed?
Answer: Aldehyde dehydrogenase
Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), preventing the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetate and producing the aversive disulfiram-alcohol reaction.
A client taking an MAOI for treatment-resistant depression reports beginning to use cocaine on weekends. Which risk must be addressed IMMEDIATELY?
Answer: The combination can cause hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome
MAOIs combined with stimulants like cocaine can precipitate life-threatening hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome requiring emergency intervention.
In treating a client with co-occurring generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder, which approach reflects best practice for sequencing treatment?
Answer: Treat both simultaneously using an integrated treatment model
Integrated dual diagnosis treatment addressing both disorders simultaneously is the evidence-based best practice for co-occurring anxiety and alcohol use disorder.