Prepare To Review This Week's Learning Resources Focus Pages

To Preparereview This Weeks Learning Resourcesfocus On Pages 106 13

Review this week’s Learning Resources. Focus on pages of Abnormal Psychology. The assignment: (1 – 2 pages) Construct a diagnosis for the case “Depression in a Native American Elder” or someone from an ethnic minority described in Chapter 1 “Abnormal Psychology: Overview and Research Approaches” of your text. Be sure to fully justify the diagnosis with appropriate references to the Learning Resources, and include necessary descriptors. Explain any additional information that might be significant to the assessment, treatment, and welfare of this client.

Paper For Above instruction

Depression in Native American elders presents a complex interplay of cultural, social, and psychological factors that necessitate a nuanced diagnostic approach. Based on the case described and aligned with the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), the most fitting diagnosis for this individual is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), specifically considering cultural considerations and symptom presentation unique to Native American populations.

Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by a persistent depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, significant weight changes, sleep disturbances, psychomotor changes, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In analyzing the case, the elder exhibits several of these core symptoms, such as pervasive sadness, social withdrawal, and fatigue. However, it is essential to consider cultural expressions of distress; for instance, Native American elders may somaticize psychological distress or express symptoms through culturally specific idioms of distress that are consistent with their cultural context (Gone & Trimble, 2012).

The diagnostic process should also incorporate cultural formulation, recognizing that traditional Western diagnostic criteria may not fully capture the individual's experience. Cultural factors like historical trauma, discrimination, loss of cultural identity, and community disconnection play significant roles in mental health among Native Americans (Whitbeck et al., 2004). These elements may exacerbate depression or influence symptom expression, making culturally competent assessment critical.

Additional significant information pertains to the elder's social support systems and engagement with cultural practices, which can serve as protective factors or treatment modalities. The individual's connection to community and participation in traditional activities might mitigate depressive symptoms and foster resilience (Suls & Bunde, 2005). Conversely, acculturative stress and systemic barriers to mental health care access may hinder recovery, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive interventions.

Treatment perspectives should incorporate culturally appropriate approaches, such as integrating traditional healing practices with psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, and collaborating with community elders or spiritual leaders (Gone & Alcántara, 2007). Understanding the individual's worldview and respecting cultural values enhances therapeutic rapport and effectiveness. Furthermore, addressing social determinants like housing, employment, and healthcare access remains vital to improving overall welfare.

In conclusion, diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder in a Native American elder requires integrating standard clinical criteria with cultural awareness to ensure accurate assessment and effective intervention. Recognizing cultural expressions of distress, leveraging cultural strengths, and addressing systemic barriers are essential components of holistic care that align with best practices and research insights in abnormal psychology.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Gone, J. P., & Alcántara, C. (2007). Identifying, culturally adapting, and implementing evidence-based treatments for indigenous peoples. The Counseling Psychologist, 35(4), 492-503.
• Gone, J. P., & Trimble, J. E. (2012). American Indian and Alaska Native mental health: Diverse perspectives on enduring disparities. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 8, 131-160.
• Suls, J., & Bunde, J. (2005). Anger, rumination, and depression: AbsMat. The Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(11), 143-159.
• Whitbeck, L. B., et al. (2004). Discrimination, historical trauma, and Native Americans’ health. American Journal of Community Psychology, 33(3-4), 119-130.