Ego Psychological Contributions to Understanding Psychopharmacology and Clinical Practice in Social Work Education

Abstract

Due to increasing evidence that supports the efficacy of combined pharmacology and psychotherapy in the treatment of multiple psychiatric disorders, an educational focus on integrated approaches is growing in social work and related fields. However, there are few guiding clinical theoretical models that can help students integrate pharmacology and clinical issues. The authors propose that ego psychology can advance clinical knowledge by helping students understand pharmacological issues and integrate pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy. Assessing ego functions in response to medication referral and use contributes to enhanced assessment and treatment.

Keywords:

• psychopharmacology
• ego psychology
• social work education
• psychotherapy and clinical practice