Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What is the underlying reason for a client with a loss to struggle with medication adherence, according to social work understanding?

1. Psychological withdrawal

2. Rejection of treatment

3. Dealing with bereavement

4. Fear of stigma

The correct answer is: Dealing with bereavement

The correct choice is rooted in the understanding of how grief and loss can profoundly affect an individual's overall functioning and mental health. When a client is dealing with bereavement, they may experience a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion, which can significantly impact their motivation and ability to manage their daily life. This emotional turmoil often leads to difficulties in concentrating or making decisions, which can extend to their medication regimen. Clients in bereavement may also feel overwhelmed by the process of grieving, causing them to prioritize their emotional pain over their physical health. This can result in neglecting their medication adherence, as they may not have the emotional bandwidth to engage with or remember to take their medications regularly. Understanding bereavement as a challenging and consuming process, social workers can identify why adherence to medication might falter during this time and address those specific needs, providing appropriate support and interventions to help the client navigate their grief while managing their treatment plan.