NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

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NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Instructions

Psychological disorders, such as depression, bipolar, and anxiety disorders can present several complications for patients of all ages. These disorders affect patients physically and emotionally, potentially impacting judgment, school and/or job performance, and relationships with family and friends. Since these disorders have many drastic effects on patients’ lives, it is important for advanced practice nurses to effectively manage patient care. With patient factors and medical history in mind, it is the advanced practice nurse’s responsibility to ensure the safe and effective diagnosis, treatment, and education of patients with psychological disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a psychological condition that affects 6.1 million Americans, or 3.1% of the US Population. Despite several treatment options, only 43.2% of those suffering from GAD receive treatment. This week you will review several different classes of medication used in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. You will examine potential impacts of pharmacotherapeutics used in the treatment of GAD. Please focus your assignment on FDA approved indications when referring to different medication classes used in the treatment of GAD.

To Prepare:

  • Review the Resources for this module and consider the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
  • Reflect on your experiences, observations, and/or clinical practices from the last 5 years and think about how pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors altered his or her anticipated response to a drug.
  • Consider factors that might have influenced the patient’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes, such as genetics (including pharmacogenetics), gender, ethnicity, age, behavior, and/or possible pathophysiological changes due to disease.
  • Think about a personalized plan of care based on these influencing factors and patient history with GAD. Have a look at NURS 6521 Week 8 Assignment: Decision Tree for Neurological and Musculoskeletal.

BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 8

Post a discussion of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics related to anxiolytic medications used to treat GAD. In your discussion, utilizing the discussion highlights, compare and contrast different treatment options that can be used.

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 8

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days by suggesting additional factors that might have interfered with the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes of the patients diagnosed with GAD. In addition, suggest different treatment options you would suggest to treat a patient with the topic of discussion.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Reply button to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Post Reply, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Post Reply! 

NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Example

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Anxiolytic Medications for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry, often accompanied by such symptoms as restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Anxiolytic medications are commonly prescribed to manage GAD symptoms and provide relief to individuals suffering from this disorder. When considering the treatment options for GAD, understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anxiolytic medications is crucial.

Pharmacokinetics refers to the study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. These processes influence the concentration of the drug in the body and its duration of action (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). On the other hand, pharmacodynamics focuses on how drugs exert their effects on the body, including the interactions with specific receptors and molecular targets.

  1. Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are a class of anxiolytic medications that act by enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important neurotransmitter in the brain. They are known for their rapid onset of action and efficacy in alleviating anxiety symptoms (DeMartini et al., 2019). However, benzodiazepines have a high potential for dependence and abuse, which limits their long-term use. Some commonly prescribed benzodiazepines for GAD include alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam.
  2. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are a class of antidepressant medications that are also effective in treating GAD. They work by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. SSRIs have a slower onset of action compared to benzodiazepines but are generally well-tolerated and have a lower risk of dependence (Carl et al., 2020). Examples of SSRIs commonly used for GAD include escitalopram, sertraline, and paroxetine.
  3. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs are another class of antidepressant medications that are effective in treating GAD. They work by blocking the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. SNRIs, such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, have a dual mechanism of action and may be beneficial for individuals who do not respond adequately to SSRIs.
  4. Buspirone: Buspirone is a unique anxiolytic medication that does not belong to the benzodiazepine or antidepressant classes. Its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is thought to modulate serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. Buspirone has a slower onset of action compared to benzodiazepines but does not cause sedation or carry the risk of dependence. It is often considered a second-line treatment for GAD, particularly in individuals who cannot tolerate or have a history of substance abuse (DeMartini et al., 2019).

When comparing these treatment options, several factors come into play, including efficacy, side effects, and potential for dependence. Benzodiazepines offer rapid relief but carry a higher risk of dependence and sedation. SSRIs and SNRIs have a delayed onset of action but are generally well-tolerated and have a lower risk of dependence (Carl et al., 2020). Buspirone is an alternative for those who cannot or do not wish to take benzodiazepines, but its efficacy may be lower than that of other options.

It is important to note that individual responses to anxiolytic medications can vary, and treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional. Additionally, therapy and lifestyle modifications, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and stress reduction techniques, may be employed in conjunction with pharmacological interventions to optimize the management of GAD.

Anxiolytic medications play a vital role in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of different treatment options helps in selecting appropriate medications based on individual patient characteristics. By weighing the benefits and potential drawbacks, healthcare professionals can tailor treatment plans to provide the best outcomes for individuals with GAD.

References

Carl, E., Witcraft, S. M., Kauffman, B. Y., Gillespie, E. M., Becker, E. S., Cuijpers, P., & Powers, M. B. (2020). Psychological and pharmacological treatments for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cognitive Behavior Therapy, 49(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2018.1560358

DeMartini, J., Patel, G., & Fancher, T. L. (2019). Generalized anxiety disorder. Annals of Internal Medicine, 170(7), 49-64. https://doi.org/10.7326/AITC201904020

Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants (2nd ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Comparing And Contrasting Pharmacologic Options For The Treatment Of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Example 2

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is an ongoing condition of excessive anxiety that affects daily activities. The condition is characterized by psychological and physical symptoms such as fear, dread, uneasiness, apprehension, tachycardia, fatigue, and palpitations (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). Treatment of GAD includes medication and counseling. There are various medication options for treating GAD, and the treatment choice for a particular patient may depend on their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and other individual patient factors. This discussion presents the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics related to anxiolytic medications used to treat generalized anxiety disorders and compares the different treatment options available.

Different anxiolytic medications are used to treat GAD. According to Rosenthal and Burchum (2021), the most commonly used anxiolytics for the treatment of GAD are benzodiazepines and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). An example of a benzodiazepine is clonazepam, and an example of an SSRI used to treat GAD is paroxetine. Buspirone is one of the most effective treatment options for GAD. According to Wilson and Tripp (2023), buspirone is an anxiolytic used for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. Paroxetine is also FDA-approved and used for treating GAD. Even though the two medications are similar in their effectiveness in GAD treatment, they differ in several ways.

Buspirone is a fast-acting anxiolytic that is rapidly absorbed, with an onset of 2-3 hours (Wilson & Tripp, 2023). In contrast, paroxetine is a slow-acting medication in treating GAD, thus less well tolerated (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). Even though the anxiolytic effects of buspirone develop slowly, it is not very effective for decreasing GAD somatic symptoms compared to paroxetine. Additionally, paroxetine acts by blocking the serotonin reuptake transporter, thus increasing the concentration of synaptic (Dutt et al., 2020), while buspirone acts as a partial antagonist to increase the serotonergic activity in the amygdala and other parts of the brain’s anxiety/fear circuitry (Wilson & Tripp, 2023).

Buspirone is also a good option for GAD patients requiring long-term therapy due to its delayed therapeutic effects, while paroxetine is best for patients requiring immediate symptom relief. In addition, buspirone lacks abuse potential and has low withdrawal effects compared to paroxetine, which also has side effects such as dizziness and confusion.

There are various medications recommended and approved by the FDA for treating GAD. Different medications differ in their mechanisms of action, side and adverse effects, and pharmacodynamics. Therefore, it is essential to consider the differences and select the medication that best suits a GAD patient, depending on their symptoms and individual factors. Buspirone and paroxetine are among the best medication options for treating GAD.   

References

Dutt, R., Shankar, N., Srivastava, S., Yadav, A., & Ahmed, R. S. (2020). Cardiac autonomic tone, plasma BDNF levels and paroxetine response in newly diagnosed patients of generalized anxiety disorder. International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, 24(2), 135-142. https://doi.org/10.1080/13651501.2020.1723642

Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants (2nd ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 

Wilson, T. K., & Tripp, J. (2023). Buspirone. In: StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531477/