Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation For A Patient With Subs

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation for a Patient with Substance Use and Psychiatric Concerns

Age 33 years old T- 100.0 P- 108 R 20 180/110 Ht 5'6 Wt 146 lbs Background: Lisa is in a Naples, FL detox facility contemplating long-term rehab. She has a history of opioid and alcohol abuse, with current substance use including opiates, cannabis, and vodka. She reports a history of sexual abuse in childhood, estranged family relationships, and exhibits symptoms consistent with substance use disorder and potential co-occurring mental health conditions. Her labs indicate liver enzyme elevation, suggestive of hepatic involvement, likely linked to her alcohol and drug use. Her mental state assessment revealed possible features of depression, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms. This evaluation aims to develop an accurate psychiatric diagnosis considering the complex presentation.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The evaluation of Lisa’s mental health status in a detox setting requires a comprehensive understanding of her presenting symptoms, history, and current functioning. Her history of substance use, trauma, and physical health complications suggest the need for a careful differential diagnosis that encompasses substance use disorder (SUD), trauma-related disorders, and possible mood or anxiety disorders. This paper explores her subjective reports, clinical observations, mental status examination findings, and applies DSM-5-TR criteria to guide an accurate diagnosis, supporting the analysis with relevant research and clinical guidelines.

Subjective Findings

Lisa reports ongoing polysubstance use, primarily opioids ($100 daily), alcohol (half-gallon vodka daily), and intermittent cannabis use. Her chief complaints include decreased appetite, sleep disturbance (only 5-6 hours per night), and a preference for substance use over food. Her history of childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by her father, who is estranged, contributes significantly to her trauma narrative. She admits to prior drug paraphernalia possession and current positive urine drug screen for opiates and THC, with a blood alcohol level of 0.308, indicating recent intoxication. Her social background highlights familial estrangement, with her mother experiencing anxiety and benzodiazepine misuse, and her brother having no contact for a decade, emphasizing social isolation and potential familial genetic predispositions for substance use disorders.

Her subjective reports point towards a complex interplay of substance dependence, trauma-related symptoms, and possible mood disturbances. Her decreased appetite and anhedonia, alongside her history of trauma, suggest underlying depression, potentially complicated by substance use as a maladaptive coping mechanism.

Objective Findings

During assessment, Lisa appeared intoxicated, with slurred speech, impaired coordination, and sluggish responses. Her vital signs indicated hypertension (180/110) and tachycardia, consistent with recent substance use and physiological stress. She exhibited mood lability, tearfulness, and signs of distress when discussing her childhood trauma. Her physical examination revealed signs of liver strain and possible early hepatic complications, reflected by elevated AST and ALT levels, and bilirubin levels indicating cholestasis or hepatic inflammation.

Thought process during the assessment included noting her affect, thought process, and insight. Lisa displayed anxious and dysphoric mood, with some evidence of impaired cognition, likely due to intoxication, withdrawal, or underlying psychiatric conditions.

Assessment and Differential Diagnosis

Applying DSM-5-TR criteria, the following differential diagnoses were considered:

  1. Substance Use Disorder (Severe) with Physical Dependence
  2. Supported by her history of daily opioid and alcohol use, positive urine screens, and withdrawal symptoms like tremors or agitation (though not explicitly described here). Her continued substance use despite adverse health effects aligns with DSM-5 criteria, including taking larger amounts over longer periods, unsuccessful efforts to cut down, and significant impairment in functioning.
  3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  4. Lisa reports childhood sexual abuse and trauma exposure. Symptoms such as intrusive memories, emotional numbing, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors could indicate PTSD. However, explicit criteria such as trauma-related re-experiencing, persistent avoidance, and hyperarousal need detailed assessment, which was not fully described but remains plausible given her trauma history.
  5. Mood Disorder (Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder)
  6. The decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, and anhedonia suggest depression. The episodic presentation, mood lability, and substance use complicate diagnosis. Bipolar disorder cannot be ruled out without further longitudinal mood assessment, but current evidence leans toward a depressive episode, especially given her substance dependence which often mimics or exacerbates mood symptoms.

DSM-5-TR Comparison and Diagnostic Clarification

The DSM-5-TR criteria specify that substance use disorder involves problematic patterns causing significant impairment and distress, which aligns with Lisa’s extensive history. PTSD diagnosis requires trauma exposure and symptoms for over a month, which Lisa meets through her childhood abuse. Mood disorders are characterized by persistent depressive or manic episodes; her current symptoms fit major depressive episode criteria but may be secondary to substance use or trauma.

DSM-5-TR rules out other speculations such as psychotic disorders, which are unsupported by her current presentation, although substance-induced psychosis could be considered if hallucinations or paranoid ideation emerge later. Her current symptom profile favors substance use disorder with comorbid trauma-related symptoms and depression.

Critical thinking involved differentiating primary psychiatric disorders from substance-induced conditions, considering that substance withdrawal or intoxication can mimic or mask underlying disorders. Her intoxication level complicates direct assessment, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and possible follow-up for definitive diagnosis.

Reflections and Ethical Considerations

Reflecting on the session, extending the assessment duration to include detailed trauma and mood history would enhance diagnostic clarity. A comprehensive trauma history might guide tailored trauma-focused therapies, essential for recovery. Ethical considerations beyond confidentiality involve ensuring informed consent, especially considering her legal history and potential future criminal justice implications related to substance use.

Health promotion should prioritize education about substance-related health risks and liver health, given her elevated liver enzymes. Cultural sensitivity is vital, respecting her background and trauma history, which influence her treatment engagement. Socioeconomic challenges, including unstable family relationships and limited social support, require integration into treatment planning, with referrals to social services and peer support systems as needed.

Addressing her substance dependence and trauma concurrently aligns with integrated dual diagnosis treatment principles, promoting long-term recovery and health.

Conclusion

Lisa’s presentation reflects a complex interplay of substance use disorder, trauma, and depression. The primary diagnosis appears to be severe substance use disorder with comorbid trauma-related symptoms, possibly PTSD, and a depressive episode. This comprehensive evaluation supports integrated treatment approaches, combining detoxification, trauma-informed therapy, and psychiatric medication management. Continuous assessment over time is warranted to refine diagnoses and tailor interventions capable of addressing her multifaceted needs.

References

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