Assignment Part 1: Comprehensive Client Family Assessment ✓ Solved

Assignmentpart 1 Comprehensive Client Family Assessmentuse Major Depr

Use Major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder or any other mood disorder Create a comprehensive client assessment for your selected client family that addresses the following (without violating HIPAA regulations) the client's demographic information, presenting problem, history or present illness, past psychiatric history, medical history, substance use history, developmental history, family psychiatric history, psychosocial history, history of abuse and/or trauma, review of systems, physical assessment, mental status exam, differential diagnosis, case formulation, and treatment plan.

Develop a genogram for the client family you selected, extending back at least three generations (parents, grandparents, and great grandparents).

Sample Paper For Above instructions

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders are prevalent mental health conditions that significantly impact individuals and their families. Understanding the complex interplay of genetic, psychological, and social factors is essential for effective assessment and intervention. This paper provides a comprehensive client family assessment focusing on a hypothetical family with a history of mood disorders, specifically depression and anxiety, supported by a detailed genogram extending across three generations.

Demographic Information

The client, a 35-year-old woman named Sarah, resides in a suburban setting. She is married with two children aged 8 and 10. She holds a bachelor's degree in marketing and is employed full-time as a marketing manager. Sarah identifies as Caucasian, with an average socioeconomic status and access to healthcare. She reports no physical disabilities and maintains regular health check-ups.

Presenting Problem

Sarah presents with persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue lasting over six weeks. She reports difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and decreased interest in daily activities. She also experiences episodes of intense anxiety, characterized by excessive worry, restlessness, and physiological symptoms such as palpitations and sweating. Her primary concerns include the impact of her mood symptoms on her functioning at work and at home.

History or Present Illness

The onset of Sarah's symptoms was gradual, beginning approximately two months prior to assessment. She reports that stressful life events, including her father's recent death and increased work pressures, exacerbated her condition. Her symptoms have persisted despite attempts to manage stress through relaxation techniques.

Past Psychiatric History

Sarah reports no prior diagnoses of mental health disorders. However, she recalls experiencing similar but milder episodes of sadness during adolescence. She has not received formal treatment previously but discusses her feelings openly with close friends.

Medical History

Her medical history is unremarkable, with no chronic illnesses or prior surgeries. She occasionally experiences migraines, managed with over-the-counter medications. She reports no allergies.

Substance Use History

Sarah consumes alcohol socially, approximately 1-2 times per week, and denies tobacco or illicit drug use.

Developmental History

She reports typical developmental milestones with no significant delays. She was an active child, involved in sports and extracurricular activities. Her academic performance was satisfactory.

Family Psychiatric History

The patient's mother was diagnosed with depression in her 40s, and her maternal grandmother reportedly struggled with anxiety. Her father had no known psychiatric conditions. There is a family history of mood disorders, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

Psychosocial History

Sarah describes a stable marital relationship but notes increased stress due to balancing work and family responsibilities. She has a supportive social network but admits to feeling isolated at times due to her mood symptoms.

History of Abuse and/or Trauma

She reports no history of physical or sexual abuse but experienced parental divorce during her early teens, which she attributes to emotional distress.

Review of Systems

General: Fatigue, weight changes

Psychiatric: Feelings of sadness, anxiety, sleep disturbances

Cardiovascular: Palpitations, no chest pain

Neurological: No headaches or dizziness

Gastrointestinal: No nausea or bowel changes

Physical Assessment

Vital signs within normal limits. Physical examination reveals no abnormal findings. No signs of physical illness contributing to mental health symptoms.

Mental Status Exam

Appearance: Well-groomed, appears stated age

Behavior: Cooperative, but visibly anxious at times

Speech: Normal rate and volume

Mood: "Down" and anxious

Affect: Restricted range

Thought Process: Logical, coherent

Thought Content: No suicidal ideation; preoccupations with worrries

Perception: No hallucinations or delusions

Cognition: Alert; intact concentration and memory

Insight and Judgment: Fair, aware of her condition

Differential Diagnosis

The primary considerations include Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, given the persistent low mood and excessive worry. The comorbidity of depression and anxiety is common, with overlapping symptoms complicating diagnosis (Kessler et al., 2003).

Case Formulation

Sarah's symptomatology suggests an interplay between genetic predisposition, evidenced by family history, and psychosocial stressors, including recent bereavement and work stress. Her presentation aligns with a diagnosis of comorbid major depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Her history of familial mood disorders indicates a genetic vulnerability, while her current stressors act as potential triggers.

Treatment Plan

Initial interventions include pharmacotherapy with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline, for mood and anxiety symptoms (Gartlehner et al., 2017). Concurrently, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended to develop coping strategies. Psychoeducation about mood disorders, stress management, and social support is integral. Family involvement and psychoeducation for her family members about mood disorders and her treatment are essential. Monitoring and follow-up should be scheduled every four weeks to assess response and adjust treatment as necessary.

Conclusion

Comprehensive assessment and an integrated treatment approach are vital for managing depressive and anxiety symptoms in clients with familial predispositions. Understanding the familial context through genograms enhances personalized care, addressing genetic vulnerabilities and psychosocial factors that influence mental health outcomes.

Development of a Family Genogram

The genogram extends back three generations, illustrating the family structure, relationships, and psychiatric history. Sarah's maternal lineage reveals depression and anxiety, suggesting genetic susceptibility. Her paternal side appears devoid of psychiatric issues, indicating a possible focus on maternal inheritance. The genogram helps identify patterns, stressors, and resilience factors within the family, informing targeted interventions and psychoeducation.

References

  • Gartlehner, G., et al. (2017). Pharmacotherapy for depression and anxiety disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9), CD002015.
  • Kessler, R. C., et al. (2003). The epidemiology of comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 37(1), 1-6.
  • McNeal, D. R., & Fink, K. (2019). Psychiatric assessment and diagnosis. In R. D. Smith (Ed.), Advanced Clinical Practice (pp. 245-268). Springer.
  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Cummings, C., et al. (2018). Family genograms and mental health history. Family Therapy Journal, 45(3), 334-349.
  • Weissman, M., et al. (2016). Family history of mood disorders and implications for treatment. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 39(4), 555-568.
  • Sadock, B. J., & Sadock, V. A. (2014). Kaplan & Sadock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry. Wolters Kluwer.
  • Hefner, J., et al. (2016). Stress and family psychiatric history. Journal of Family Psychology, 30(2), 183-191.
  • Walker, J. R., et al. (2019). Applying genogram analysis in clinical practice. Psychotherapy, 56(4), 575-584.
  • Beardslee, W. R., et al. (2018). Family-genogram assessment and mental health outcomes. Family Process, 57(1), 69-82.