Description Using The Three Cases Provided: Write A 7-10 Pag

Descriptionusing The Three Cases Provided Write A 7 10 Page Paper Ab

Using the three cases provided, write a 7-10 page paper about how you would proceed in counseling one of these clients utilizing what you have learned throughout this course. Be sure to include the following: 1. What type of assessment would you use and why? 2. Using DSM 5 Diagnostic Criteria, what might be actual or possible diagnoses you would consider? 3. What additional information would you ask to fully assess this individual? 4. What type of etiological theory do you feel applies? 5. What might be pertinent issues for the treatment plan? 6. What might be special issues to consider? 7. Who should be involved in the client’s treatment? Why? 8. How would you involve family/significant others? 9. What community services might you refer this client to?

Paper For Above instruction

In this paper, I will analyze one of the three provided case studies—choose either Laura, Reese, or Suzanne—and develop a comprehensive counseling approach. The focus will be on assessment strategies, diagnostic criteria, etiological understanding, treatment planning, involvement of key parties, and community resource referral. For this example, I will focus on Laura's case, a high-powered corporate professional presenting with issues related to substance use and mental health challenges.

Assessment Strategy

Given Laura's presentation—substance dependence, anxiety symptoms, sleep disturbances, and recent behavioral changes—the most appropriate assessment tool would be a combination of clinical interviews and standardized measures. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID) provides a comprehensive framework to establish diagnoses reliably (First et al., 2015). Supplementing this with self-report inventories such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) would help quantify her substance use severity (Saunders et al., 1990; Skinner, 1982). Additionally, assessment of her anxiety via the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) would clarify anxiety levels (Spitzer et al., 2006). These tools enable a nuanced understanding of her mental state and substance use patterns to inform diagnosis and treatment planning.

Diagnostic Considerations

Utilizing DSM-5 criteria, Laura’s symptoms suggest several possible diagnoses. Her alcohol use pattern—binge drinking with increasing frequency—may meet criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Moderate to Severe, especially given her inability to control intake, cravings, and continued use despite adverse consequences (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Her prescribed benzodiazepine use, coupled with her reported dependence on Valium and Xanax for panic attacks, could be indicative of Benzodiazepine Use Disorder, or a disorder secondary to her anxiety symptoms (Weiss et al., 2019). Her sleep disturbances and past depression following her father’s death could point toward Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), particularly if persistent sadness, anhedonia, and suicidal ideation are present (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Additionally, her chronic stress and high-pressure environment may suggest an anxiety disorder—possibly Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)—which could be exacerbating her substance use (Soomro et al., 2008). A thorough diagnostic evaluation would clarify her primary and comorbid conditions.

Additional Information Needed

To fully assess Laura, I would inquire about her childhood and family history, including her father’s death’s impact and any familial substance use or mental health issues. Understanding her coping strategies and history of prior treatment attempts is crucial. Detailed information about her current mood, thoughts of self-harm or suicidality, and her motivation for change would guide intervention. I would also explore her substance use timeline, triggers for drinking or taking pills, and her social support network. Furthermore, assessment of her work environment, stressors, and previous counseling experiences would help tailor a treatment plan that accounts for external pressures and internal struggles.

Etiological Theories

Bio-psycho-social models are particularly relevant in Laura’s case. Biologically, her genetic predisposition to substance dependence and anxiety disorders could play a role. Psychologically, her response to her father’s death and subsequent emotional repression may contribute to her reliance on substances to manage stress. Social factors include her high-stakes job, possible workplace stress, and social isolation. Behavioral models suggest her substance use may have become a maladaptive coping mechanism, reinforced by temporary relief from her symptoms (Kring et al., 2014). Recognizing these intertwined factors allows for a multidimensional treatment approach that addresses biological vulnerabilities, psychological processes, and social influences.

Pertinent Issues for the Treatment Plan

Key issues include managing her substance dependence while addressing underlying anxiety and depression. A focus on relapse prevention, stress management, and developing healthier coping strategies is essential. Additionally, exploring her grief process related to her father’s death and its impact on her emotional functioning is paramount. Addressing her self-esteem issues, weight concerns, and work-related stressors would also benefit her overall well-being. Tailoring medication management, such as careful use of prescribed anxiolytics and potential tapering, would be vital. Introducing psychotherapy modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and substance use, along with grief counseling, can facilitate her recovery (Carroll & Rounsaville, 2002).

Special Issues to Consider

Confidentiality and workplace implications are significant. Her fear of job loss and the potential stigmatization of her mental health could hinder disclosure or full participation in therapy. Cultural considerations, including her professional identity and societal expectations, may influence her openness to treatment. Additionally, her addictive behaviors involve both legal and illegal substances, demanding sensitive handling of her privacy and legal risk management. Co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, require integrated treatment to address all facets of her condition effectively.

Involvement of Family, Significant Others, and Community Services

Engaging her family or close supports would depend on her willingness. Family therapy could help improve understanding and support, especially if grief or familial dynamics are contributing factors (Liddle et al., 2001). Given her workplace setting, collaboration with her employer’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can facilitate accommodations and support. Referral to community resources such as addiction treatment programs, outpatient therapy, and possibly psychiatric consultation for medication management would be fruitful. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or adult children of alcoholics groups can provide peer support. Furthermore, stress management programs, mindfulness training, and vocational counseling might promote her recovery and resilience (Rew et al., 2011).

In sum, a comprehensive, individualized approach that combines empirically supported assessment instruments, accurate diagnosis, etiological understanding, and an integrated treatment plan involving family and community resources can offer Laura the best chance for recovery. Addressing her substance dependence, mental health issues, and psychosocial stressors holistically will create a foundation for sustainable improvement and well-being.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Carroll, K. M., & Rounsaville, B. J. (2002). Stepwise treatment approaches for substance use disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159(9), 1432–1440.
  • First, M. B., Williams, J. B. W., Karg, R. S., & Spitzer, R. L. (2015). Structured clinical interview for DSM-5 disorders (SCID-5).
  • Kring, A. M., Johnson, S. L., Davison, G. C., & Neale, J. M. (2014). Abnormal psychology (12th ed.).
  • Liddle, H. A., Rowe, C., Chung, T., & Dakof, G. A. (2001). Family therapy for adolescent substance abuse. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 11(1), 33–53.
  • Rew, L., Gerhardt, C. A., & Johnson, K. (2011). Adolescent substance use and violence: Common elements of intervention. Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 20(3), 209–220.
  • Saunders, J. B., Aasland, O. G., Babor, T. F., de la Fuente, J. R., & Grant, M. (1993). Development of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Addiction, 88(6), 791–804.
  • Skinner, H. A. (1982). The Drug Abuse Screening Test. Addictive Behaviors, 7(4), 363–371.
  • Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: The GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(10), 1092–1097.
  • Weiss, R. D., et al. (2019). Benzodiazepine Use Disorder: Risks and Management. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 80(2), 19-26.

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