Discussion 1: Systems Theory in Social Work Practice

Family systems provide safety and support for their members. To many, organizational and societal systems also are expected to function in a similar way. When these systems fail, how do social workers identify those failures?

Further, how can an understanding of these systems help them intervene? Systems theory is concerned with the structure of complex systems, with a special emphasis on how parts of these systems relate to each other and to the systems as a whole.

Social workers apply systems theory to micro, meso and macro levels of practice, in order to understand the dynamic interrelations between individuals, families, institutions, and societies. Generally, social workers want to identify how a system functions, what aspects of that system have a negative impact on people, and understand how they can cause positive change in that system.

For this week's Discussion, review this week's resources, including the course-specific case studies provided. Select either the case study for Noah or Carl, as well as a theory from this week's assigned reading. Then, consider the various social systems involved in the course-specific case study you selected and how the social systems might relate to one another. Finally, think about the systems theory you selected and how it can be applied to that case study.

· Post an explanation of the various social systems involved in the case study you selected.

· Be sure to reference in your post the client from the course-specific case study you selected.

· Then, explain how these social systems might relate to one another.

· Finally, describe the systems theory you selected and explain how you might apply it to that case study using specific social work skills.

References (use 2 or more)

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing [VitalSource e-reader].

· Robbins, S. P., Chatterjee, P., & Canda, E. R. (2012). Contemporary human behavior theory: A critical perspective for social work (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.

o Chapter 2, "Systems Theory" (pp. 25-58)

· Green, D., & McDermott, F. (2010). Social work from inside and between complex systems: Perspectives on person-in-environment for today's social work. British Journal Of Social Work, 40(8), 2414-2430.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Sutphin, S. T., McDonough, S., & Schrenkel, A. (2013). The role of formal theory in social work research: Formalizing family systems theory. Advances In Social Work, 14(2), 501-517.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Discussion 2: Neurobiology, Client Presentation, and Pharmacological Treatment Plans

Developing appropriate pharmacological treatment plans requires medical and mental health professionals to consider all potential factors that may be contributing to the client's psychopathology. Contributing factors may include family history of mental illness (Preston, O'Neal, & Talaga, 2010), personal history, life circumstances, and drug abuse.

Additionally, neurotransmitter malfunctions (genetic or self-induced) may manifest as diagnosable mental illnesses. Mental health care teams (e.g., counselors, medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and support teams) need to consider all of these factors in diagnosing and treating psychopathology.

For this Discussion, review the document "Neurobiology Considerations Case Study: Suzy" found in this week's Learning Resources and consider the recommendations you might make to treat Suzy.

· Post a brief description of the possible pharmacological recommendations for treating Suzy.

· Explain any neurobiological considerations that inform your recommendations.

· Explain the benefits and limitations of your recommendations.

· Justify your recommendations based on the Learning Resources and current literature.

References (use 2 or more)

· Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.

· Preston, J. D., O'Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

· National Institute of Mental Health. (2008). Introduction: Mental health medications.

· National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2014). Brain basics: Understanding sleep.

· Document: Neurobiology Considerations Case Study: Suzy (PDF)

Attachment:- Working With Children and Adolescents.rar