Ken Argues That It Might Be More Cost Effective for Psychologists

question 3

Multiple Choice

Ken argues that it might be more cost effective for psychologists to prescribe medicine for their patients rather than referring to psychiatrists or physicians. Which of the following arguments would best serve as a response to Ken's argument?

• A) Absolutely not, because psychologists do not believe in the efficacy of drug therapy and do not want prescription privileges.
• B) Absolutely. The provision of education required to competently prescribe would not occur at the expense of training in psychological assessments and interventions making adequate prescription training possible.
• C) Maybe, but undeserved groups such as older adults, the chronically mentally ill and those living in rural areas would benefit very little from such a service.
• D) Maybe, but many major mental disorders (such as schizophrenia) are best treated with psychotherapy, so why prescribe medication.
• E) One has to be careful when allocating prescription privileges because the biological and pharmaceutical training required of psychologists may be inadequate.

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Definitions:

Socialization Process

The means through which individuals learn and internalize the values, norms, and practices of their culture.

Social Control

Mechanisms, strategies, and institutions designed to regulate individual and group behavior, aiming to maintain conformity and compliance to rules of a society.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image and an irrational fear of gaining weight, leading to severe restriction of food intake and malnutrition.

Starvation Diet

An extreme diet involving severe restriction of calorie intake, which can lead to malnutrition and serious health issues.