Practicum – Week 5 Journal Entry (Due Week 7) Learning Objec ✓ Solved

Practicum – Week 5 Journal Entry (Due Week 7) Learning Objectives

Describe a client who suffers from a trauma-related disorder, including pertinent history, medical information, and prescribed medications. Using the DSM-5, explain and justify the diagnosis for this client. Evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches discussed in the week's Learning Resources, including expected outcomes. Support your approach with evidence-based literature. Explain any legal and ethical implications related to counseling this client.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Trauma-related disorders are prevalent mental health conditions resulting from exposure to traumatic events. These disorders can significantly impair an individual's functioning, necessitating appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In this paper, I will discuss a hypothetical client diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), exploring their background, diagnosis justification, therapeutic approaches, expected outcomes, and legal and ethical considerations.

Client Profile and Medical History

The client is a 32-year-old female who experienced a traumatic car accident six months prior, which resulted in physical injuries and emotional distress. She reports persistent intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors related to the accident. Her medical history includes generalized anxiety disorder, which was previously managed with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. She was prescribed sertraline 50 mg daily after her accident to help manage anxiety symptoms.

Diagnosis Using DSM-5

Based on the client's symptomatology, the diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is justified according to the DSM-5 criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The DSM-5 specifies that PTSD occurs following exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance, and negative mood are hallmark features. The client’s symptoms have persisted for over one month and cause significant distress and functional impairment, aligning with the DSM-5 criterion (American Psychiatric Association, 20113). Her history of trauma, combined with her symptoms, supports this diagnosis.

Therapeutic Approaches and Expected Outcomes

Several therapeutic approaches are effective for treating PTSD, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Pharmacotherapy.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is considered a first-line treatment for PTSD (Bradley et al., 2016). It involves exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring to help clients process traumatic memories and challenge maladaptive thoughts. Evidence suggests CBT reduces symptoms and improves functioning (Bradley et al., 2016). For this client, CBT aims to diminish intrusive memories, reduce avoidance behaviors, and improve emotional regulation, leading to increased daily functioning.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is another empirically supported treatment that facilitates processing traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation (Shapiro, 2014). It has shown efficacy comparable to CBT (Bisson et al., 2013). EMDR could help the client process trauma more rapidly and effectively.

Pharmacotherapy

Medications like SSRIs (e.g., sertraline) are approved for PTSD treatment, helping to alleviate core symptoms such as hyperarousal and intrusive thoughts (Stein et al., 2017). Pharmacotherapy, combined with psychotherapy, can enhance treatment outcomes.

Evidence-Based Literature Supporting Treatment

Research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of CBT and EMDR for PTSD (Bradley et al., 2016; Bisson et al., 2013). Pharmacotherapy complements psychological interventions, especially in cases with severe symptoms (Stein et al., 2017). Tailored treatment plans that incorporate evidence-based approaches result in better symptom reduction and functional recovery.

Legal and Ethical Implications

Counseling clients with PTSD involves adherence to legal and ethical standards, including confidentiality, informed consent, and cultural competence (American Nurses Association, 2014). It is crucial to obtain informed consent when discussing treatment options and to ensure clients understand potential risks and benefits. Additionally, issues of mandated reporting may arise if trauma involves ongoing safety concerns or abuse (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Maintaining confidentiality while balancing legal obligations is essential. Ethical practice also requires sensitivity to cultural factors that influence trauma perception and treatment acceptance.

Conclusion

Accurately diagnosing trauma-related disorders using DSM-5 criteria facilitates targeted and effective treatment. Evidence-based interventions like CBT, EMDR, and pharmacotherapy offer significant symptom relief. Legal and ethical considerations must guide all counseling practices to protect the client’s rights and well-being. As psychiatric mental health nurses, understanding these components ensures comprehensive, ethical, and effective care for clients suffering from trauma-related disorders.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
• American Nurses Association. (2014). Psychiatric-mental health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
• Bisson, J. I., et al. (2013). Effective treatments for PTSD: Practice guidelines from the National Center for PTSD. Psychological Medicine, 43(3), 377-385.
• Bradley, R., et al. (2016). A meta-analysis of psychological treatments for adult PTSD. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 40(5), 533-544.
• Shapiro, F. (2014). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, third edition: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. Guilford Publications.
• Stein, M. B., et al. (2017). Pharmacotherapy for PTSD. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(25), 2459-2468.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
• Wheeler, K. (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
• American Nurses Association. (2014). Psychiatric-mental health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
• Bisson, J. I., et al. (2013). Effective treatments for PTSD: Practice guidelines from the National Center for PTSD. Psychological Medicine, 43(3), 377-385.