Family Therapy Course: Please Put The Question Or Sec 731496

Family Therapy Courseplease Put The Question Or Section Name Above Eac

Chose one specific diagnosis from the DSM-5 classification of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Create a brochure or handout that includes the following:

  • Provide an overview of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Summarize the medications commonly prescribed to treat the condition.
  • Identify your client population and make sure your brochure is age-appropriate for your intended population. Example: young adults.
  • Create a medication log that should include: Start/end date, medication name, daily dose/frequency, response/side effects, and comments.
  • Include three other ways to educate clients (such as apps or websites).
  • Example of medication log: Start/End Date Medication Name Brand/Generic Dose/Frequency/Time (am/pm) Response/Side Effects Comments 9/20/16-12/12/16 Valium/Diazepam 2mg/PRN Good/ Dry Mouth Not as effective as initial response 12/12/16-current BuSpar/buspirone 5mg/BID Very good/ Tired Improved mood; less anxious Support your assignment with at least two scholarly resources.
  • In addition to these specified resources, reference any websites or other appropriate resources you used to educate clients in your brochure.
  • Length: 2 pages.

Paper For Above instruction

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychiatric condition that develops after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. The trauma could range from natural disasters, war, assault, or accidents, leading to persistent psychological distress. PTSD affects various aspects of a person's life, including emotional regulation, cognition, and social functioning, often resulting in significant impairment if untreated (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It is prevalent across different age groups, with particular considerations needed for age-appropriate diagnosis and treatment approaches for populations such as young adults.

PTSD's clinical presentation includes symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, hyperarousal, avoidance behaviors, and negative alterations in cognition and mood. The DSM-5 classifies PTSD under trauma- and stressor-related disorders, emphasizing the importance of traumatic exposure in its etiology. The disorder's pathophysiology involves dysregulation within the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, affecting fear processing and emotional regulation (Yehuda et al., 2015). Recognizing these neurobiological underpinnings enhances understanding of treatment mechanisms and the importance of tailored interventions.

Pharmacological treatment for PTSD commonly involves medications aimed at reducing core symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and comorbid depression or anxiety. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline and paroxetine are considered first-line agents due to their efficacy and safety profile (Stein et al., 2003). Often, clinicians may prescribe medications such as prazosin for nightmares, or mood stabilizers, depending on individual symptomatology. It is essential to monitor responses and side effects systematically through a medication log to optimize treatment outcomes.

The medication log is a crucial tool for tracking the patient's response to therapy and adverse effects. An example entry includes start and end dates, medication name, dosage, frequency, response, side effects, and any comments. For example: starting with sertraline 50 mg daily, noting improvements in mood and sleep, but experiencing some GI upset. If side effects persist or response is inadequate, dosage adjustments or medication changes may be necessary (Bradley et al., 2005).

For younger populations such as young adults, psychoeducation is vital. Educating clients about PTSD and treatments can be supplemented with digital tools such as mental health apps that promote mindfulness, symptom tracking, and psychoeducation. Reliable resources include the PTSD Coach app developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which offers accessible information, coping strategies, and symptom management tools (VA, 2016). Additionally, websites like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provide evidence-based information on PTSD and treatment options.

Other effective pathways to educate clients involve online support groups and psychoeducational websites. Online platforms such as Mental Health America (MHA) provide resources tailored for young adults, including coping techniques and community support forums. These platforms foster connectedness, reducing feelings of isolation often associated with PTSD. Moreover, integrating therapy with psychoeducation sessions enhances understanding and promotes adherence to treatment strategies.

The therapeutic approach should incorporate a multidisciplinary framework that emphasizes not only medication management but also psychotherapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These approaches are demonstrated to significantly alleviate symptoms and improve functionality (Bradley et al., 2005). Combining pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy tailored for young adults can help address developmental and emotional needs effectively.

In conclusion, PTSD requires a nuanced approach that combines medication, psychoeducation, and psychotherapeutic interventions, especially tailored for age-appropriate populations like young adults. Systematic tracking of medication responses and side effects, along with leveraging credible educational resources and supportive digital tools, can significantly enhance treatment efficacy and patient engagement. Continued research and integration of innovative educational platforms will be essential in evolving PTSD management strategies.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Bradley, R., Greene, J., Russ, E., Dutra, L., & Westen, D. (2005). A Multidimensional Meta-Analysis of Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(2), 214-227.
  • Stein, D. J., Seedat, S., & Sivesund, M. (2003). Pharmacotherapy of PTSD: A review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 64(8), 941–949.
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2016). PTSD Coach Smartphone App. VA.gov.
  • Yehuda, R., LeDoux, J., Prakash, S., et al. (2015). Understanding PTSD: From neurocircuitry to treatment. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 76(Suppl 1), 9-19.
  • National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. NIMH.nih.gov.
  • Merwin, R. M., Rosenthal, J. S., & Roy-Byrne, P. P. (2019). Pharmacological and psychotherapeutic management of PTSD. Psychiatric Clinics, 43(3), 437-446.
  • Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (2010). Emotional processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information. Psychological Bulletin, 3, 169–182.
  • Resick, P. A., & Schnicke, M. K. (2017). Cognitive Processing Therapy for Sexual Assault Victims. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 58(2), 152-157.
  • McEwen, B. S. (2017). Neurobiological effects of stress and PTSD. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 18, 37–50.