Assessing Clients: Grace Eluma Walden University ✓ Solved

Assessing Clients 5 Assessing Clients Grace Eluma Walden University

Based on the provided case, your assignment is to write an in-depth assessment of a 7-year-old male client who is exhibiting behavioral issues including oppositional defiant behavior, aggression, and academic decline. The discussion should include a comprehensive evaluation covering demographic information, presenting problems, history of illness, developmental background, mental and physical health status, differential diagnosis, case formulation, and treatment plan. The treatment plan should specify appropriate therapeutic strategies, focusing on parent management training, and behavioral management tailored for a young child with behavioral concerns possibly linked to recent trauma.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The assessment of children presenting behavioral disturbances necessitates a holistic approach considering psychological, developmental, familial, and environmental factors. This paper evaluates a case involving a 7-year-old Caucasian male exhibiting oppositional and aggressive behaviors, contextualized within his recent grief from the loss of his grandmother. The discussion integrates clinical observations, history, differential diagnosis, and formulates a targeted intervention plan grounded in evidence-based practices.

Demographic and Presenting Problem

The client is a 7-year-old Caucasian male brought to the clinic accompanied by his parents—mother aged 28 and father aged 32. The referral originated from his teacher, who reports oppositional defiant behaviors such as yelling and disrespect toward authority figures, coupled with declining academic performance. The child's behaviors include violent outbursts, impulsivity, and irritability, which have notably increased following the recent death of his beloved grandmother, with whom he shared a close relationship.

History and Developmental Background

The child's developmental milestones are within typical ranges, with no known developmental delays or issues. His trauma history is limited to the recent loss of his grandmother, which appears to be a significant trigger for his current behavioral problems. Family dynamics reveal a stable, employed parental structure, with active engagement in social activities outside school hours, often involving outings to grandparents' residence. Despite this, the child's behavior worsened post-loss, suggesting a grief-related response that has manifested as oppositional and aggressive conduct.

Assessment of Mental and Physical Health

The child's physical health appears satisfactory, with vital signs within normal limits: height 59 inches, weight 53 pounds, vital signs stable. Physical inspection indicates good health overall without signs of trauma or illness. Mentally, the child is alert, oriented, and describes his environment positively, although he blames his academic struggles on his teacher's supposed stupidity. No evidence suggests suicidal ideation, though mood appears depressed, reflecting his recent grief and adjustment difficulties.

Potential Differential Diagnoses

Given the symptomatology, two primary considerations arise. First, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may be present, evidenced by the recent trauma of losing a close family member, which can manifest as irritability, hyperarousal, and behavioral regressions (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Second, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) must be considered, as impulsivity and difficulty regulating emotions are core features, which may temporarily mimic oppositional behaviors (Pelham & Fabiano, 2008). Further assessment is necessary to differentiate these conditions based on clinical interviews and standardized tools.

Case Formulation and Discussion

The case suggests that the child's recent grief has overwhelmed his coping mechanisms, resulting in externalizing behaviors such as defiance and aggression. These behaviors serve as manifestations of underlying emotional distress. The family environment remains supportive, but the child's difficulty processing loss necessitates tailored intervention. The formulation aligns with a grief-related behavioral response compounded by possible underlying neurodevelopmental considerations like ADHD.

Proposed Treatment Strategy

Effective intervention involves introducing parent management training (PMT), which educates parents on behavior modification techniques and emotional regulation strategies suited for young children (Kelsberg & St. Anna, 2016). The proposed plan includes eight weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 45 minutes, focusing on reinforcing positive behaviors, establishing consistent discipline, and enhancing emotional understanding. The inclusion of child-centered therapy modalities may also be beneficial to address grief and emotional expression directly.

Conclusion

Comprehensive assessment and targeted intervention are essential for addressing behavioral issues rooted in trauma and possible neurodevelopmental factors. Combining parent management training with grief counseling provides a comprehensive approach that supports behavioral regulation, emotional healing, and improved family functioning, ultimately promoting the child’s well-being and development.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Kelsberg, G., & St. Anna, L. (2016). What are effective treatments for oppositional defiant behaviors in adolescents? Journal of Family Practice, 55(10), 675–682.
• Pelham, W. E., & Fabiano, G. A. (2008). Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(Suppl 7), 77–81.
• American Nurses Association. (2014). Psychiatric-mental health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
• Kazdin, A. E. (2017). Parent Management Training: A comprehensive approach. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 20(4), 413–429.
• Eyberg, S. M., Nelson, M. M., & Boggs, S. R. (2008). Evidence-based behavioral parent training: A review of the literature. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 30(2), 75–93.
• McNeil, C. B., & Hembree-Kigin, T. L. (2010). Parent-child interaction therapy. Springer Publishing Company.
• Lee, S. S., & Hinshaw, S. P. (2010). A randomized controlled trial of behavioral parent training for preschool students with ADHD. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 39(4), 568–580.
• Fisher, P., & Manuel, J. (2014). Evidence-based practices for managing childhood grief. Psychology in the Schools, 51(8), 828–841.
• Connor, D. F. (2017). Combating oppositional defiant disorder: Parenting strategies and early intervention. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 26(4), 321–330.