7

According to the National Sleep Foundation  (2013), about 30–40% of the general population reports some level of  insomnia during their lives, and 10–15% experience significant, chronic  insomnia. For these individuals, medications to help induce and sustain  sleep may be helpful. On the other hand, sleep aids pose potential  concerns, namely abuse. Some people exceed recommended doses, and some  continue taking medications even after symptoms are no longer present.  Others obtain medications under false pretenses, which is one form of  malingering. Malingering occurs when clients make up or exaggerate  symptoms for some personal gain. Although mental health professionals  may not be directly implicated in the client’s deceit, their unique  position to receive more accurate and honest information than other  medical professionals presents ethical concerns. What is the mental  health professional’s role in these instances? In which instances would  it be appropriate to break confidentiality due to a concern of  malingering? How could the malingering potentiality be planned for and  avoided?

For this Assignment, conduct an  Internet search or a Walden Library search for at least one  peer-reviewed journal article that addresses a counseling issue related  to malingering and addiction in treating sleep disorders.

By Day 7

In a 3-page, APA-formatted paper, include the following:

• A description and explanation of the major types of drugs prescribed for sleep disorders
• An explanation of the potential for addiction associated with these medicines
• An explanation of the issues related to malingering in the treatment of sleep disorders
• An explanation of the mental health professional’s role in mitigating the potentialities of malingering

 
Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
Chapter 6, “Anxiolytic-Sedative-Hypnotic Drug Pharmacotherapy” (previously read in Week 5)
 
Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
Chapter 15, “Other Miscellaneous Disorders” (pp. 161-174)
 
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2014). Brain basics: Understanding sleep. Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/understanding_sleep.htm#sleep_disorders
 
As you review this website, consider the types of sleep disorders associated with mental health treatment