For This Assignment, Start By Selecting One Of The Case Stud

For This Assignment Start By Selecting One Of The Case Studies Acces

For this assignment, start by selecting one of the case studies (accessible from the Course Resources) and develop a patient portfolio. The goal of the portfolio is to identify a disorder and recommend a plan of action to help the patient manage his or her symptoms and change behavior for therapeutic outcomes. To begin your assignment, do a search of the Library and the internet. You are also to use course material, but your project should include at least four additional references from the library and/or the internet (your final assignment must include one library resource). The internet sources you use should be credible, such as the National Institute of Health or WebMD. Avoid unreliable sources like Wikipedia or About.com. Your information should come from reputable psychological or medical societies.

Part 2 through Part 4 of the patient portfolio should be a minimum of 675 words. All work should be in your own words, with quotes used sparingly (no more than 10%). Develop the portfolio using the provided template by addressing the following areas:

• Part 1: Background information about the patient, including (a) the patient's disorder and (b) the diagnostic criteria they meet based on DSM-5 guidelines.
• Part 2: Psychological Approach: Choose either a cognitive or behavioral theory from the course textbook, explain it using an academic source, and discuss how it may explain the development of the mental illness in the case study (approximately 225 words).
• Part 3: Biological Approach: Select either genetic or neurological influence theory, explain it with an academic source, and apply it to the case study’s disorder (approximately 225 words).
• Part 4: Sociocultural Approach: Pick a theory from the social, cultural, or interpersonal relationship perspectives, explain it, and discuss its relevance to the mental illness development (approximately 225 words).
• Part 5: Treatment:
  1. Recommend medical approaches (e.g., medication, ECT, medical devices) with supporting evidence of effectiveness (approximately 75 words).
  2. Compare side effects of the chosen treatment and describe how it influences brain chemistry or neurotransmitter activity (approximately 75 words).
  3. Discuss psychotherapy options (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy), explaining how the specific therapy benefits the patient (approximately 100 words).
  4. Define short-term and long-term treatment goals, including behavioral or functional improvements (approximately 75 words).
• Part 6: Conclusion: Justify which of the biological, psychological, or sociocultural approaches best explains the development of the disorder, and argue why your recommended treatment plan is most appropriate, emphasizing its expected benefits (approximately 150 words).

Your final submission should be approximately 1200 words, formatted in APA style, and include at least six credible references, including at least one library resource.

Paper For Above instruction

Selecting an appropriate case study from the available resources offers an opportunity to explore mental health disorders comprehensively. For this paper, we will examine a hypothetical patient presenting symptoms consistent with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The analysis will encompass background information, application of psychological, biological, and sociocultural theories, recommended treatment strategies, and a concluding argument about the most explanatory approach and effective treatment plan.

Part 1: Background Information

The patient, a 35-year-old female, exhibits pervasive feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. She reports persistent low mood lasting over two months, accompanied by sleep disturbances and feelings of worthlessness. Based on her presentation, her symptoms align with the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder as outlined in DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). According to DSM-5, MDD diagnosis requires the presence of at least five symptoms during the same two-week period, representing a change from previous functioning, with at least one symptom being either depressed mood or anhedonia. Her symptoms meet these criteria, with additional symptoms such as appetite changes and psychomotor agitation supporting the diagnosis.

Part 2: Psychological Approach

The cognitive theory of depression, developed by Aaron Beck, posits that negative thought patterns and cognitive distortions contribute significantly to the development and maintenance of depressive symptoms (Beck, 1967). According to this model, individuals with depression often possess maladaptive schemas—persistent negative beliefs about themselves, their world, and their future—that influence their perception and interpretation of experiences. These distorted perceptions reinforce feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. Applying this theory to the case study, the patient’s pervasive thoughts of inadequacy and hopelessness reflect Beck’s cognitive triad—negative views about herself, her circumstances, and her future—suggesting that her depression may stem from maladaptive cognition patterns. These negative schemas likely developed over time through adverse life experiences and reinforcement of unhealthy thought patterns, leading to the persistent depressive symptoms observed.

Part 3: Biological Approach

The biological influence on depression is strongly linked to neurochemical imbalances in the brain, particularly involving neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The monoamine hypothesis asserts that depression results from deficits in these neurotransmitter systems, which are crucial for mood regulation (Schildkraut, 1965). Studies have shown that individuals with depression often have lower levels of serotonin activity (Schildkraut, 1965), and antidepressant medications aim to restore these neurotransmitter levels to alleviate symptoms. In the case study, the patient’s symptoms of depression may be associated with dysregulation of serotonergic pathways, leading to impaired mood stabilization. Genetic factors may also predispose her to neurochemical imbalances, further explaining the biological underpinnings of her disorder.

Part 4: Sociocultural Approach

The sociocultural perspective highlights that social environments, cultural background, and interpersonal relationships influence mental health. According to the sociocultural theory, factors such as social support, cultural expectations, and socioeconomic status can impact the onset and progression of depression (Brown & Harris, 1978). For the patient, recent work stress, social isolation, and cultural expectations around success may exacerbate her depressive symptoms. Feelings of societal failure or cultural stigma regarding mental health can also hinder her willingness to seek help, perpetuating her condition. Recognizing these factors emphasizes the importance of social interventions and culturally sensitive approaches to treatment.

Part 5: Treatment

a) Medical Approaches

Pharmacotherapy, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, is supported by extensive research as effective in reducing depressive symptoms (Khan et al., 2017). These medications enhance serotonin availability in the brain, balancing neurochemical activity and improving mood. Clinical studies demonstrate significant symptom reduction and improved functioning with SSRIs, making them a primary treatment choice for moderate to severe depression.

b) Side Effects and Brain Chemistry

Common side effects of SSRIs include gastrointestinal disturbances, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction. While these can be distressing, they are generally manageable and tend to diminish over time. Pharmacologically, SSRIs increase serotonin levels, which modulate neural circuits involved in mood regulation, ultimately leading to improved neurotransmitter balance and neuroplasticity support (Harmer et al., 2017).

c) Psychotherapy Options

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for depression, focusing on identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns and promoting healthier behavior patterns (Beck et al., 1979). For the patient, CBT could help modify maladaptive schemas and improve coping strategies, leading to reduced depressive symptoms. The therapy also equips patients with skills to challenge negative thoughts and develop more adaptive thinking, which supports long-term recovery.

d) Treatment Goals

Short-term goals include symptom reduction and improved mood within 8-12 weeks, while long-term objectives focus on relapse prevention, behavioral activation, and social reintegration. Achieving these aims should result in increased functioning, improved quality of life, and resilient coping mechanisms.

Part 6: Conclusion

Among the discussed approaches, the biological model provides the most compelling explanation for the patient's disorder due to the well-established neurochemical deficits associated with depression. Pharmacological treatments targeting neurotransmitter imbalances have demonstrated consistent effectiveness. However, integrating psychological therapies like CBT complements biological interventions by addressing maladaptive thought patterns, offering a holistic approach. The combined strategy recognizes the multifaceted nature of depression—biological, psychological, and social—thus optimizing treatment outcomes. Ultimately, a biopsychosocial model, emphasizing both medication to correct neurochemical deficits and psychotherapy to modify cognitive processes, presents the most comprehensive and effective approach for managing depression in this case.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Beck, A. T. (1967). Depression: Clinical, experimental, and theoretical aspects. University of Pennsylvania Press.
• Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Press.
• Harmer, C. J., Duman, R., & Cowen, P. (2017). How emotional are your antidepressants? Reviews in Neuroscience, 28(2), 129–135.
• Khan, A., Thase, M. E., & Hourani, S. (2017). Effectiveness of SSRIs in depression. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 78(3), 373–379.
• Schildkraut, J. J. (1965). The catecholamine hypothesis of affective disorders: A review of supporting evidence. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 122(5), 509–522.
• Brown, G. W., & Harris, T. (1978). Social origins of depression: A study of psychiatric disorder in women. Tavistock Publications.