Learning Objective #1: Identify two types of psychopharm interventions for women court ordered into anger management treatment and diagnosed with a mood disorder

Learning Objective #2: Define issues in psychopharm management for women with primary mood disorders and intermittent explosive disorder

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A growing concern for nursing and other health care providers, social service agencies, and the judicial system over the past decade has been violence perpetrated by women. Effective problem identification, intervention, and treatment planning with clearly identified outcomes are often elusive to the woman with anger-related issues as well as the multidisciplinary system of providers attempting to meet her needs. Women involved in the judicial system for issues related to the emotional deregulation that results in ineffective anger management and violence pose unique problems for all aspects of the health care and social service delivery system. One area of concern is the psychopharmacological management of the prevalent mood disorders and other psychological issues with this vulnerable population. Complex side effects of the medication, concurrent substance abuse, and financial difficulties all contribute to varying degrees of medication compliance and treatment efficacy. This presentation provides information about the pharmacological management issues in the lived experience of these women.