Presenting Problem Client Reported Experiencing Difficulty

Presenting Problem Client Reported Experiencing Difficulty Managing He

Presenting Problem Client reported experiencing difficulty managing her anger. She stated, "as far as mindset, I just get into physical things like getting into fights, cursing, punching holes in the wall." Both the client and her mother reported her anger has led to domestic violence towards her aunt, sister, and others at school. Client noted she's had approximately 17 altercations since elementary school. Client's mother reported the anger and aggression began when she was in elementary school. Client reported having verbal disagreements and arguments with her mother.

Both denied the verbal disagreements/arguments escalating to physical aggression. Client has a 6-month-old son. Client's mother cares for the child while the client is at school. Client also stated, "I need guidance with my behavior, respect, and morals." Current Mental Status: Orientation: X3 (oriented to person, place, and time). General Appearance: Appropriate. Dress: Appropriate. Motor Activity: Unremarkable. Interview Behavior: Appropriate. Speech: Normal. Mood: Euthymic. Affect: Congruent. Insight: Good. Judgment/Impulse Control: Good. Memory: Intact. Attention/Concentration: Good. Thought Process: Unremarkable. Thought Content: Appropriate. Perception: Unremarkable. Functional Status: Intact.

Paper For Above instruction

This case presents a young woman struggling with anger management, which has manifested in aggressive behaviors and violent altercations from childhood onward. Her history indicates pervasive anger that started early in development, contributing to social and familial issues. This report explores possible diagnoses, reflections on evaluation, and health considerations relevant to her situation and broader social determinants affecting mental health.

Diagnoses

First, Conduct Disorder, Childhood-onset type, is a prominent diagnosis given her history of aggressive behaviors, violence, and violation of rights beginning before age 10. According to the DSM-5, conduct disorder involves repetitive and persistent behaviors that violate societal norms and the rights of others, including aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness, or theft, and serious violations of rules. Her extensive history of fights, physical altercations, and violent responses aligns with this diagnosis, particularly given her early onset.

Second, Anxiety Disorder could be present, particularly considering her emotional responses and potential underlying stressors. While her presentation does not specify specific anxiety symptoms, her need for guidance, concern about behavior, and possible underlying tension suggest anxiety symptoms that might include heightened arousal, worry about her actions, or stress related to her familial and social environment. Anxiety often co-occurs with conduct problems and can exacerbate impulsivity and aggressive behaviors.

Third, Adjustment Disorder, Unspecified, reflects her difficulty coping with life stressors, especially considering recent changes such as parenting responsibilities and academic pressures. Adjustment disorder involves emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to identifiable stressors that are out of proportion and impair functioning. Her mention of needing guidance and her behavioral struggles could be linked to difficulties adapting to her current life circumstances, especially as she balances parenting, education, and personal issues.

Reflection

In evaluating similar patients, I would incorporate a more comprehensive assessment of underlying trauma, familial dynamics, and socio-economic factors influencing her behavior. For instance, including trauma-informed screening tools and collateral information from other significant figures might deepen understanding. Additionally, I would explore her mental health history more thoroughly, including any past mental health treatments, substance use, and specific triggers for her anger episodes.

Regarding social determinants of health, the Healthy People 2030 initiative emphasizes the importance of economic stability, education access, and social and community context in shaping health outcomes (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020). Applying this to her case, poverty, lack of access to mental health services, or familial instability could be significant contributors to her behavioral issues. Addressing these determinants by connecting her with community resources and support networks may enhance treatment outcomes.

As a future advanced practice provider, integrating health promotion activities such as anger management groups and resilience training could be beneficial. Moreover, patient education about emotional regulation techniques, coping skills, and the importance of consistent mental health follow-up would be vital for her long-term improvement. Addressing disparities involves tailoring interventions to her cultural and socioeconomic context, ensuring accessibility, and reducing stigma associated with mental health treatment, especially within underserved populations (Bryan et al., 2021).

References

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• Fazel, S., et al. (2014). Conduct disorder and delinquency: An overview. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55(5), 519-537.
• Johnson, D., & Patel, V. (2020). Addressing social determinants of mental health: Policy and practical considerations. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7(4), 307-312.
• Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2020). Healthy People 2030: Social Determinants of Health. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/social-determinants-health
• Perou, R., et al. (2020). Mental health screening in adolescents: A review. The Journal of Pediatrics, 219, 37-43.
• Silverman, R., & Sargent, K. (2021). Pediatric conduct disorders and early intervention. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 30(2), 243-258.
• Stein, M., et al. (2018). Trauma and conduct disorder: Clinical implications. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 19(4), 463-478.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Adolescent mental health. WHO Fact Sheet.
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