Discussion 2: Trauma And Comorbidity – It Is Not Uncommon Fo ✓ Solved

Discussion 2 Trauma And Comorbidityit Is Not Uncommon For People Who

Provide the full DSM-5 diagnosis for the client, including the disorder name, ICD-10-CM code, specifiers, severity, and Z codes for other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention, considering the most recent 12 months.

Explain the diagnosis by matching the symptoms identified in the case to the specific criteria for the diagnosis.

Identify the first area of focus you would address as the client’s social worker and explain your specific treatment recommendations, supported by research.

Explain how you would manage the client’s diverse needs, including co-occurring disorders.

Describe a treatment plan for the client, including how you would evaluate his treatment progress.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Trauma and comorbidity are prevalent issues in clinical psychology, particularly in individuals who turn to substance use as a coping mechanism for psychological and emotional distress. Addressing these complex issues requires careful diagnosis, strategic treatment planning, and ongoing evaluation to facilitate recovery and resilience. This paper provides a comprehensive DSM-5 diagnosis for a hypothetical client, Bae, along with targeted treatment recommendations, managing diverse needs, and a structured treatment plan supported by current research.

DSM-5 Diagnosis for the Client

The clinical presentation of Bae suggests a primary diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), given the exposure to traumatic events and the subsequent symptomatology. The diagnosis will include the pertinent ICD-10-CM code F43.10. The specification of severity is moderate, considering the impact on daily functioning. Additionally, substance use disorder related to alcohol and stimulants is diagnosed, with ICD-10-CM codes F10.10 for alcohol use disorder and F15.10 for stimulant use disorder. Bae's co-occurring conditions include depressive symptoms and anxiety, which are addressed under Z codes for culturally sensitive and holistic care (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Matching Symptoms to Diagnostic Criteria

Bae exhibits symptoms aligning with DSM-5 criteria for PTSD: intrusive memories, hyperarousal, avoidance behaviors, and negative alterations in cognition and mood. These symptoms are persistent, lasting over a month, and cause significant distress. The trauma history, coupled with substance use to self-medicate, meets the criteria for comorbid substance use disorder. The presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms supports a diagnosis of co-occurring disorders, necessitating integrated treatment approaches (APA, 2010).

Initial Focus and Treatment Recommendations

The first area of focus as Bae’s social worker is to establish safety, stabilization, and build trust. This involves implementing trauma-informed care principles, such as ensuring a safe environment, fostering empowerment, and avoiding re-traumatization (Harris & Fallot, 2001). Concurrently, addressing substance use is essential, emphasizing motivational interviewing techniques to enhance readiness for change (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). Evidence suggests that integrated treatment models, combining trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and substance use interventions, are most effective (Cloitre et al., 2019).

Managing Diverse Needs and Co-occurring Disorders

Managing Bae’s diverse needs involves an integrated treatment approach that simultaneously targets trauma symptoms, substance use, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Employing a multidisciplinary team—including mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors, and medical providers—ensures comprehensive care. Psychoeducation, stress management, and relapse prevention strategies are crucial components. Cultural competence and trauma-informed care principles should underpin all interventions (SAMHSA, 2014).

Proposed Treatment Plan and Evaluation

The treatment plan encompasses trauma-focused therapy, such as TF-CBT or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), along with evidence-based substance use interventions like contingency management and relapse prevention skills training. The plan involves regular assessments using standardized tools like the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and substance use relapse scales to monitor progress. Treatment duration is expected to span 12–18 months, with periodic reviews to adapt interventions as needed. Engagement and retention strategies include establishing a strong therapeutic alliance, motivational enhancement, and addressing barriers to treatment access (Resnick et al., 2015).

Conclusion

Addressing trauma and comorbidity requires a nuanced understanding of diagnostic criteria, symptomatology, and evidence-based interventions. An integrated treatment approach focusing on safety, stabilization, and targeted therapies can significantly improve outcomes. Continuous evaluation and cultural sensitivity ensure that the care provided aligns with the client's unique needs and circumstances, fostering resilience and recovery (Najavits, 2002; Souza & Foa, 2019).

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • American Psychiatric Association. (2010). Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.
  • Cloitre, M., et al. (2019). Evidence-based treatments for trauma-related disorders. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 20(4), 386-400.
  • Harris, M., & Fallot, R. D. (2001). Envisioning a trauma-informed service system: A vital paradigm for mental health and substance abuse services.
  • Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.).
  • Najavits, L. M. (2002). Seeking safety: A treatment manual for PTSD and substance abuse.
  • Resnick, H. S., et al. (2015). Clinical guidelines and treatment strategies for trauma-related disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 76(2), 180-186.
  • SAMHSA. (2014). Trauma-informed care in Behavioral health services. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
  • Souza, V., & Foa, E. B. (2019). Advances in exposure therapy for PTSD and trauma-related disorders. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 10(1), 1577740.