Purpose Analyze And Apply Critical Thinking Skills In 305099

Purposeanalyze And Apply Critical Thinking Skills In The Psychopathol

Analyze and apply critical thinking skills in the psychopathology of mental health patients and provide treatment and health promotion while applying evidence-based research. Scenario: Vee is a 26-year-old African-American woman who presents with a history of non-suicidal self-injury, specifically cutting her arms and legs, since she was a teenager. She has made two suicide attempts by overdosing on prescribed medications, one as a teenager and one six months ago; she also reports chronic suicidal ideation, explaining that it gives her relief to think about suicide as a “way out.” When she is stressed, Vee says that she often “zones out,” even in the middle of conversations or while at work.

She states, “I don’t know who Vee really is,” and describes a longstanding pattern of changing her hobbies, style of clothing, and sometimes even her job based on who is in her social group. At times, she thinks that her partner is “the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” and will impulsively buy him lavish gifts, send caring text messages, and the like; however, at other times she admits to thinking “I can’t stand him,” and will ignore or lash out at him, including yelling or throwing things. Immediately after doing so, she reports feeling regret and panic at the thought of him leaving her. Vee reports that, before she began dating her current partner, she sometimes engaged in sexual activity with multiple people per week, often with partners whom she did not know.

Paper For Above instruction

In this paper, I will analyze Vee's presenting problems through the lens of psychopathology, formulate primary and differential diagnoses using the DSM-5 and ICD-10, categorize the primary diagnosis within its appropriate cluster, and develop a prioritized, evidence-based treatment plan. Vee's case presents complex features indicative of multiple overlapping mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder, major depressive episodes, and possible identity disturbances, requiring a thorough and nuanced clinical approach.

Vee’s history reveals recurrent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), past suicide attempts, and persistent suicidal ideation—key indicators of severe affective dysregulation and emotional pain (Klonsky & Glenn, 2020). Her self-injury serves as a maladaptive coping mechanism to manage overwhelming emotions, a hallmark of borderline personality disorder (BPD) (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). The pattern of fluctuating emotions, unstable interpersonal relationships, and identity disturbances further support this diagnosis. Vee’s rapid mood shifts, impulsivity, and feelings of emptiness are characteristic features outlined in DSM-5 criteria for BPD (Lieb et al., 2004).

Additionally, her reported episodic disengagement or “zoning out” under stress may suggest dissociative features, which are often comorbid with BPD or depressive disorders. Her intense reactions to her partner’s perceived rejection and her fleeting idealization versus devaluation reflect classic borderline features of unstable relationships. Her early engagement in promiscuity and fluctuating self-identity mirror identity disturbances common in BPD—highlighting chronic issues with self-concept and personal boundaries (Leichsenring et al., 2011).

With regard to differential diagnoses, major depressive disorder (MDD) must be considered given her chronic suicidal ideation and past overdose attempts. According to DSM-5 criteria, MDD involves persistent depressed mood and loss of interest lasting at least two weeks, often accompanied by feelings of worthlessness and fatigue. Vee’s emotional fluctuations and impulsivity could also suggest bipolar disorder; however, her history does not explicitly report manic or hypomanic episodes, leaning the diagnosis away from bipolar I or II. Other potential considerations include histrionic or narcissistic traits, but these are less supported by her instability and self-destructive behaviors than the core features of BPD.

Inclusion of ICD-10 codes, such as F60.31 (borderline personality disorder) and F32.9 (depressive episode, unspecified), can assist in clinical documentation. The primary diagnosis aligns closely with Cluster B personality disorders, characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors. The presence of impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and unstable relationships strongly position her within this cluster, specifically BPD as per both DSM-5 and ICD-10 classifications (Stanghellini et al., 2018).

Developing a treatment plan for Vee necessitates a multi-tiered approach emphasizing safety, emotional regulation, and identity consolidation. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the Gold standard evidence-based intervention for BPD, focusing on distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness (Linehan, 2015). The initial priority involves ensuring her safety by addressing her self-injurious behaviors and suicidal ideation, possibly through hospitalization if imminent risk persists.

Long-term goals include developing healthier coping mechanisms, fostering a stable sense of self, and improving interpersonal skills. Pharmacotherapy may play a supportive role, particularly with mood stabilizers or antidepressants to mitigate affective instability and depressive symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can complement DBT by targeting maladaptive thought patterns around self-identity and relationships (Lynch et al., 2015). Family or group therapy may further enhance social support and reinforce skill development. Regular assessment and collaborative goal setting are critical to adapt interventions to Vee’s evolving needs.

In conclusion, Vee exhibits a complex psychopathological profile best conceptualized as borderline personality disorder, with comorbid depression and dissociative features. A comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plan emphasizing safety, emotion regulation, and identity stabilization, primarily through DBT, offers the most effective pathway toward recovery. Understanding her unique psychosocial context and fostering a therapeutic alliance are vital components of her ongoing mental health management.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Lieb, K., Zanarini, M. C., Schmahl, C., Linehan, M. M., & Bohus, M. (2004). Borderline personality disorder. The Lancet, 364(9432), 453-461.
• Leichsenring, F., Leibing, E., Kruse, J., New, A. S., & Leweke, F. (2011). Borderline personality disorder. The Lancet, 377(9759), 74-84.
• Linehan, M. M. (2015). Dialectical behavior therapy: Principles and techniques. Guilford Publications.
• Lynch, T. R., Trost, A. B., Salsberry, P. J., & Bond, D. D. (2015). Combining cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy for individuals with borderline personality disorder. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 46(6), 448–454.
• Stanghellini, G., et al. (2018). The phenomenology of borderline personality disorder. World Psychiatry, 17(1), 38–39.
• Klonsky, E. D., & Glenn, C. R. (2020). The function of non-suicidal self-injury: A review of the evidence. Clinical Psychology Review, 75, 101810.