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

Discussion 2: Trauma and Comorbidity It is not uncommon for

It is not uncommon for people who experience trauma to use substances to moderate psychological or emotional pain. Trauma can easily add to the strain that people already feel. In this Discussion, you diagnose and plan treatment for a case provided by your instructor.

To prepare: Review the Learning Resources on trauma treatment, including additional resources from the optional resources/media or from the Suggested Further Reading document. Then read the case provided by your instructor for this week’s Discussion.

By Day 5 Post a 3- to 5-minute recorded video response in which you address the following: Provide the full DSM-5 diagnosis for the client. Remember, a full diagnosis should include the name of the disorder, ICD-10-CM code, specifiers, severity, and the Z codes (other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention). Keep in mind a diagnosis covers 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 client’s social worker, and explain your specific treatment recommendations. Support your recommendations with research. Explain how you would manage client’s diverse needs, including his co-occurring disorders. Describe a treatment plan for client, including how you would evaluation his treatment. Support your post with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

Include a transcript and/or edit closed captioning on your video to ensure your presentation is accessible to colleagues of differing abilities.

Paper For Above Instructions

In addressing trauma and comorbidity, it is crucial to understand the intricate relationship between traumatic experiences and the potential onset of comorbid psychological disorders. This paper provides a detailed analysis and treatment plan based on a hypothetical client, incorporating the DSM-5 criteria to diagnose and formulate a comprehensive treatment strategy.

Understanding Trauma and Comorbidity

Trauma, defined as an emotional response to a distressing experience, can significantly impact an individual's overall mental health. Individuals who experience trauma often develop adaptive coping mechanisms, which may include the misuse of substances to numb or escape psychological distress (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2014). This maladaptive coping can lead to a dual diagnosis where both trauma-related challenges and substance use disorders are present, necessitating comprehensive treatment approaches.

Case Analysis and DSM-5 Diagnosis

The first step in formulating a treatment plan is to accurately diagnose the client utilizing the DSM-5 framework. For this case, assume the client experiences symptoms consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event, along with alcohol use disorder. The DSM-5 diagnosis would be:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• ICD-10-CM Code: F43.12
• Severity: Moderate (based on the frequency of symptoms)
• Alcohol Use Disorder: Mild (ICD-10-CM Code: F10.10)
• Z codes: Z63.5 (Disruption of family by separation or divorce)

The DSM-5 outlines several criteria for diagnosing PTSD, including exposure to a traumatic event, intrusive symptoms, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and marked alterations in arousal and reactivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). By linking these symptoms to the particular criteria, one can justify the initial diagnosis of PTSD, characterized by avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative thoughts about oneself and the world, irritability, and reckless behavior associated with substance use.

Treatment Focus and Recommendations

The initial area of focus for treatment would be the trauma symptoms experienced by the client. Establishing a safe therapeutic environment is paramount, as trauma can result in heightened anxiety and trust issues. Evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) specifically tailored for trauma (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or TF-CBT), should be employed (Cohen, Mannarino, & Deblinger, 2006).

In conjunction with individual therapy, integrating motivational interviewing techniques can assist in addressing the client's alcohol use disorder, thereby enhancing the client's motivation to change behaviors associated with substance use (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). This dual approach facilitates the management of the client's co-occurring disorders, thereby promoting a holistic treatment experience.

Managing Diverse Needs

When addressing diverse client needs, a biopsychosocial model should be applied. This model emphasizes the interplay among biological, psychological, and social factors affecting the client's well-being. Addressing issues such as social support, economic factors, and family dynamics will be critical in the treatment plan (Engel, 1977).

Resources such as support groups for trauma survivors and substance use treatment programs should be incorporated to provide additional layers of support. This multidisciplinary approach maximizes the likelihood of recovery and improves overall quality of life for the client.

Evaluation of Treatment Plan

To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment plan, regular progress assessments are essential. Utilizing standardized assessment tools, such as the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), can help measure symptom changes over time (Weathers et al., 2013). Review sessions should be scheduled every three months, allowing adjustments to the treatment plan as needed based on the client's progress and feedback.

Conclusion

In summary, addressing trauma and comorbidity requires a comprehensive understanding of the client's unique experiences and symptoms. A robust treatment plan that includes proper diagnosis, targeted therapeutic interventions, and regular evaluation is critical in guiding the client toward healing and recovery. Utilizing evidence-based practices and maintaining a focus on the client’s diverse needs will facilitate a greater chance of achieving a positive treatment outcome.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2006). Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy for traumatized children and adolescents: Treatment outcomes. Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 74(5), 746.
• Engel, G. L. (1977). The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine. Science, 196(4286), 129-136.
• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4816.
• Weathers, F. W., Litz, B. T., Keane, T. M., Palmieri, P. A., Marx, B. P., & Schnurr, P. P. (2013). The PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). National Center for PTSD.
• van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. New York: Viking.
• Herman, J. L. (1997). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—from domestic abuse to political terror. New York: Basic Books.
• Schimmenti, A., & Bifulco, M. (2015). Early trauma and the onset of mental disorders: A review. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 7(2), 139-149.
• Foa, E. B., Keane, T. M., & Friedman, M. J. (2000). Effective treatments for PTSD: Practice guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. New York: Guilford Press.