For This Assignment, Examine The Client Case Study ✓ Solved
For this Assignment, as you examine the client case study
For this assignment, as you examine the client case study in this week’s Learning Resources, consider how you might assess and treat adult and older adult clients presenting symptoms of a mental health disorder.
The assignment requires students to evaluate clients for treatment of mental health disorders, analyze decisions made throughout diagnosis and treatment of clients, and specifically examine Case 3. You will be asked to make three decisions concerning the diagnosis and treatment for this client while considering co-morbid physical as well as mental factors that might impact the client’s diagnosis and treatment.
At each decision point, you are to complete the following:
Decision #1: Differential Diagnosis
Which decision did you select? Why did you select this decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. What were you hoping to achieve by making this decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #1 and the results of the decision. Why were they different?
Decision #2: Treatment Plan for Psychotherapy
Why did you select this decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. What were you hoping to achieve by making this decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #2 and the results of the decision. Why were they different?
Decision #3: Treatment Plan for Psychopharmacology
Why did you select this decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. What were you hoping to achieve by making this decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #3 and the results of the decision. Why were they different?
Also, include how ethical considerations might impact your treatment plan and communication with clients and their family. Support your rationale with a minimum of three academic resources less than five years in APA format, including an introduction and conclusion.
Paper For Above Instructions
In the domain of mental health, assessing and treating adult and older adult clients necessitates a multifaceted approach, particularly when they present symptoms of disorders that may be compounded by co-morbid physical conditions. This paper will address a hypothetical client case study (Case 3) through a structured decision-making process that encompasses a differential diagnosis, treatment plans for psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, and ethical considerations that influence clinical practice.
Decision #1: Differential Diagnosis
In the first decision point pertaining to differential diagnosis, I selected the decision to diagnose the client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This was supported by the client’s reported symptoms, such as pervasive worry, difficulty concentrating, and physical manifestations of anxiety, which aligned with diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). My intent in selecting this diagnosis was to establish a comprehensive understanding of the client's mental state to tailor a more effective treatment strategy.
What I anticipated achieving with this decision was a clear identification of the anxiety disorder allowing for targeted therapy options. However, the diagnostic process revealed complexities, as additional physical health issues such as hypertension were present, influencing the clinical picture. The difference between my initial expectations and the actual outcomes showed the necessity of considering how physical health can mask or exaggerate mental health symptoms, necessitating a more nuanced approach to diagnosis (Jensen et al., 2021).
Decision #2: Treatment Plan for Psychotherapy
In the second decision, I chose to implement a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) treatment plan for the client. CBT is one of the most researched and established forms of psychotherapy for treating anxiety disorders (Hofmann et al., 2012). My reasoning behind this selection was grounded in empirical evidence demonstrating CBT's efficacy in reducing symptoms of GAD. I aimed to achieve symptom relief and empower the client with coping strategies.
Upon implementing the treatment, the anticipated outcomes included marked improvement in the client's anxiety symptoms and functional daily living. However, results were slower to emerge than expected. This disparity may be attributed to the client’s pre-existing health concerns that influenced their engagement and motivation in therapy (Ching et al., 2020). This reinforces the importance of a holistic view that incorporates both psychological and physical health in treatment planning.
Decision #3: Treatment Plan for Psychopharmacology
For the third decision, I proposed a pharmacological approach using a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), specifically Escitalopram. SSRIs have been consistently recommended for treating GAD due to their favorable side effect profile and efficacy in alleviating anxiety symptoms (Zhou et al., 2022). I hoped that introducing pharmacotherapy would enhance the therapeutic effects of the ongoing psychotherapy by alleviating the client’s physiological symptoms of anxiety.
However, the client experienced side effects that were more pronounced than those typically documented, resulting in treatment discontinuation after a few weeks. This outcome differed significantly from the expected relief because of the client’s heightened sensitivity to medications, which was partially related to their medical history (Finan et al., 2019). This underscores the critical need for healthcare professionals to closely monitor and adjust treatment plans according to individual tolerances.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical principles, including autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence, play a paramount role throughout the treatment process. Ensuring that the client can make informed decisions about their treatment remains crucial, as does the responsibility to provide beneficial interventions without causing harm (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). Transparency regarding medication side effects, the necessity for changes in treatment plans, and the relevance of the physical health status to mental health are critical aspects that should be communicated clearly to both the client and their family. This ethically guided approach fosters trust and collaborative care, enabling better treatment outcomes and client satisfaction.
Conclusion
This paper outlined a structured approach to assess and treat a hypothetical adult client with suspected mental health disorders, utilizing a case study format to navigate complex decision-making. The decisions made regarding differential diagnosis, treatment planning for psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology illustrate the interplay between mental and physical health, as well as the importance of ethical practice in client communication. Future practice should embrace an integrated model that observes the entire spectrum of patient health to optimize both mental and physical well-being.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Ching, T. H., Wong, C., & Mo, Y. S. (2020). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 55(1), 1-18.
- Finan, P. H., Zautra, A. J., & Davis, M. C. (2019). The role of chronic pain in the exacerbation of anxiety disorders. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 64, 43-50.
- Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
- Jensen, K. A., Smith, S. M., & Larson, M. J. (2021). The impact of comorbid physical health conditions on mental health disorders: A review. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 17(6), 564-578.
- Zhou, Y., Wang, Y., & Wang, J. (2022). The efficacy and safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for patients with generalized anxiety disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 36(7), 755-766.