PCN 545 Trauma Case Study: Reason For Referral

Pcn 545trauma Case Studyreason For Referralmaryam Is A 17 Year Old Cau

Maryam is a 17-year-old Caucasian female university student who was referred to your agency by her physician, Dr. Jaffee. She presented with complaints of lack of sleep, drinking three to four glasses of vodka and orange juice nightly to aid sleep. Blood tests showed slightly elevated liver enzymes, and her blood pressure was 130/94. She reports sleeping only 2-4 hours per night, often waking up from nightmares. Behavioral observations indicate she arrived punctually, was driven by her roommate, appeared anxious with circles under her eyes, tearful during assessment, tired, and despondent with a flat affect. She expressed fears about driving, feelings of worthlessness, and guilt related to a recent three-car accident in which one person was critically injured. Maryam reports living in student housing with an out-of-state family and has no local relatives. She is facing legal issues due to the accident.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Trauma among adolescents is a critical mental health concern, impacting their emotional stability, cognitive functioning, and overall development. Maryam’s case exemplifies the complex interplay of trauma, guilt, substance use, and anxiety disorders, which often require a nuanced and multidisciplinary approach for effective intervention. This paper explores her presenting problems, underlying psychological issues, potential diagnoses, and therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions, and support systems tailored to her unique circumstances.

Assessment of Maryam’s Presentation

The initial assessment of Maryam indicates observable signs of distress, including tearfulness, fatigue, and an anxious demeanor. Her lack of sleep, coupled with nightmares, suggests the presence of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Her expressed fear of driving and recent involvement in a serious accident highlight the importance of considering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a primary diagnosis. Furthermore, her feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and suicidal ideation point towards comorbid depression.

Understanding her context is vital. As a young adult in a university setting, she faces academic pressures, legal concerns, and social isolation due to her distance from her family support system. These factors increase her vulnerability to mental health deterioration. Her substance use as a sleep aid further complicates her clinical picture, as alcohol can worsen sleep disturbances, mood disorders, and impulsivity, creating a vicious cycle that needs targeted intervention.

Potential Psychological Diagnoses

Based on diagnostic criteria, Maryam may meet the criteria for PTSD given her intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal. Her guilt and remorse regarding the accident, along with sleep disturbances and hypervigilance, support this diagnosis. Comorbid major depressive disorder is also probable due to her feelings of worthlessness, anhedonia, and suicidal ideation. The overlapping symptoms of trauma and depression often necessitate integrated treatment approaches to address both conditions effectively.

Interventions and Therapeutic Approach

An trauma-informed approach is crucial when working with Maryam. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT), can help her process traumatic memories, challenge distorted beliefs, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Incorporating exposure therapy may assist in reducing avoidance behaviors associated with her PTSD symptoms.

Building emotional resilience through mindfulness practices and grounding techniques can help manage anxiety and nightmares. Addressing her substance use is equally critical; motivational interviewing can be employed to explore her motivations for drinking and encourage healthier sleep strategies and coping skills. Engaging her in psychoeducation about sleep hygiene and substance impacts can increase her awareness and foster positive behavioral change.

Family and social support systems play an essential role. Although her family resides out of state, involving her in support groups or connecting her with campus counseling services can create a network of understanding and support. Legal concerns should also be addressed by integrating legal counseling services or referrals to appropriate authorities, ensuring that her legal issues do not exacerbate her psychological distress.

Overall, a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach can facilitate her recovery. The integration of individual therapy, educational interventions, and support networks aligns with best practices for adolescent trauma treatment, emphasizing empowerment and resilience-building.

Conclusion

Maryam’s case underscores the importance of early, comprehensive assessment and intervention in adolescent trauma. Addressing her sleep disturbances, guilt, substance use, and trauma symptoms through evidence-based practices can significantly improve her psychological well-being and functioning. Effective collaboration among mental health professionals, legal advisors, and support systems is essential to foster her healing journey and promote resilience amidst her challenges.

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