Bshs 445 University Of Phoenix Select One Of The Following C

Bshs 445 University Of Phoenixselect One Of The Following Case Presen

Bshs 445 University Of Phoenixselect One Of The Following Case Presentations from Crisis Intervention Case Book: · “A Verbal and Emotionally Abusive Relationship†in Ch. 5 · “A Crisis Involving Substance Abuse Withdrawal†in Ch. 7 · “A Crisis Involving Schizophrenia†in Ch. 8 · “A Crisis Involving Chronic Back Pain†in Ch. 9 · “John, the Grief of Divorce†in Ch. 10 Write a 1,200- to 1,500-word paper addressing the following: · Describe the case you chose. · Examine the crisis components related to the case. · Examine what intervention strategies should be provided. · Recommend a strategy that could be implemented to promote change. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Crisis intervention is a critical component of mental health and social work, aimed at providing immediate support to individuals experiencing a significant stressful event or mental health crisis. The effectiveness of intervention strategies depends on accurate case analysis, recognition of crisis components, and tailored approaches to promote recovery and resilience. In this paper, I will examine a case involving Schizophrenia—specifically, the crisis presented in Chapter 8 of the Crisis Intervention Case Book—and explore appropriate intervention strategies to support the individual through their crisis, culminating in recommendations for effective change-promoting strategies.

Description of the Case

The case involving schizophrenia, as presented in Chapter 8 of the Crisis Intervention Case Book, details a scenario where an individual, referred to as Mark, experiences a sudden exacerbation of symptoms that precipitate a crisis. Mark is a 27-year-old male with a history of schizophrenia diagnosed during his late teens. Prior to the crisis, Mark had been relatively stable through medication adherence and outpatient therapy. However, over the past week, he exhibited signs of increased paranoia, auditory hallucinations, and disorganized behavior. He became socially withdrawn, neglected self-care, and expressed delusional thoughts that he was being targeted by government agents. His family reported that he had been refusing medication and exhibiting agitation, which culminated in an episode where Mark threatened to harm himself and others.

This crisis scenario was intensified when Mark's family found him crying in his apartment, talking to voices no one else could hear, and displaying paranoia so intense that they feared for his safety and their own. His family contacted mental health services, triggering an urgent crisis intervention designed to stabilize Mark, ensure his safety, and prevent potential harm. The case exemplifies the complexities inherent in managing acute psychotic episodes within the context of schizophrenia, particularly when barriers such as medication non-compliance and social withdrawal are present.

Crisis Components Related to the Case

The crisis in Mark’s case is multifaceted, incorporating various components characteristic of mental health crises, especially those linked to psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. First, there is an acute psychological distress manifested through hallucinations, paranoia, and delusional thinking. These symptoms disrupt his perception of reality, leading to disorientation and fear, both of which intensify the crisis.

Second, behavioral escalation is evident, including threats of harm and refusal of medication, which increase the risk of harm to himself and others. The disorganized and unpredictable behavior signifies a loss of control, a hallmark of crisis states in mental health.

Third, the crisis involves disruption of social and environmental stability. Mark's withdrawal and refusal to engage with family and health services diminish his social support network, exacerbating feelings of isolation and helplessness. The deterioration in self-care and daily functioning further diminishes his ability to manage his condition outside help.

Fourth, there is a time-sensitive component, as Mark’s symptoms have escalated rapidly over a week, warranting urgent intervention to prevent Lurther deterioration or harm. The risk of self-harm or violence necessitates immediate crisis response.

Finally, the crisis involves risk assessment, where practitioners must evaluate not only the immediate danger but also the longstanding challenges of medication non-adherence and social isolation, which may influence the intervention's scope and methods.

Intervention Strategies

Effective intervention strategies in Mark’s case must address these crisis components comprehensively. The immediate goal is to ensure his safety while stabilizing symptoms. A multi-pronged approach includes:

1. Crisis Assessment and Safety Planning: First, mental health professionals conduct a thorough assessment to evaluate the risk of harm, including suicide or violence. Immediate safety measures, such as possible hospitalization if safety cannot be assured voluntarily, are taken to prevent injury.

2. Medication Management and Psychoeducation: Addressing medication non-compliance is critical. Strategies include facilitating medication adherence through hospitalization or supervised administration if necessary, and providing psychoeducation to Mark and his family about the importance of medication in managing symptoms and preventing crises.

3. De-escalation and Therapeutic Engagement: Professionals employ verbal de-escalation techniques to reduce agitation. Establishing rapport helps to engage Mark in treatment and build trust, which is fundamental in crisis intervention.

4. Family Involvement and Support: Family members are essential allies. They are educated about schizophrenia, crisis signs, and ways to support Mark’s recovery process. Family therapy can improve communication and help develop a sustainable support network.

5. Psychotherapeutic Interventions: Once stabilized, individual therapy focusing on coping skills, stress management, and reality testing can be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically adapted for psychosis can assist in addressing delusional beliefs and paranoia.

6. Community Resources and Follow-up Care: Long-term stability requires connecting Mark to community mental health services, support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and housing assistance. Follow-up appointments ensure continuity of care, monitor mental health status, and prevent relapse.

Strategies to Promote Change

To foster lasting change, a comprehensive strategy must encompass medication adherence, social integration, and empowerment. One effective approach is motivational interviewing (MI), which can address ambivalence about treatment and encourage active participation in recovery. MI involves empathetic dialogue, exploring the individual’s motivations, and collaboratively setting goals aligned with personal values, thus increasing willingness to adhere to medication regimens and engage in therapy (Miller & Rollnick, 2013).

Additionally, implementing peer support programs can provide individuals like Mark with relatable role models who have managed similar challenges successfully. Peer support fosters empowerment, reduces stigma, and reinforces positive behavioral change (Davidson et al., 2012). Coupling this with assertive community treatment (ACT) services ensures comprehensive, flexible support that can adapt to changing needs, reducing the likelihood of crisis recurrence.

Another strategic intervention involves psychoeducation for both Mark and his family about early warning signs of relapse and crisis, encouraging proactive engagement with treatment providers. Early intervention at the first sign of symptom exacerbation greatly reduces hospitalizations and improves long-term outcomes (Wood et al., 2015).

Finally, integrating social skills training and supported employment initiatives can enhance social functioning, improve self-esteem, and promote independence. This holistic approach addresses the social determinants of health, contributing to sustained recovery and resilience (Cook et al., 2005).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the crisis experienced by Mark illustrates the complex, multifaceted nature of mental health crises related to schizophrenia. A comprehensive intervention strategy that prioritizes safety, medication adherence, therapeutic engagement, family involvement, and community resources is essential for stabilization. Incorporating motivational interviewing, peer support, early warning systems, and social skills development can promote meaningful, lasting change. Tailoring interventions to the individual's needs and circumstances enhances the likelihood of recovery and reduces future crisis episodes, ultimately fostering resilience and improved quality of life.

References

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• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: helping people change. Guilford Publications.
• Wood, S., et al. (2015). Early intervention in psychosis: a systematic review. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(3), 232-241.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). APA Publishing.
• Gradus, J. L., et al. (2013). Hospitalizations and outpatient visits for schizophrenia: changes observed in recent years. Psychiatric Services, 64(4), 349–355.
• Marshall, M., et al. (2013). The effectiveness of community-based crisis services in reducing hospital admissions for mental health crises. Crisis, 34(6), 391-397.
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• Perkins, D. O., et al. (2015). Early detection and intervention in psychosis: a review of the evidence. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 76(4), 559-565.
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