Review The Video Case: Suicide Assessment Of Client W 269131

Review The Video Casesuicide Assessment Of Client With Initially Subt

Review the video case : Suicide assessment of Client with initially Subtle Warning Signs of Suicide Complete a SOAP Note as if you were the psychotherapist in the video. Then write a one page summary that highlights the warning signs of suicidality in the patient and why you chose the treatment plan you choose in your SOAP Note. SOAP Template: Patient Name: XXX MRN: XXX Date of Service: Start Time: 10:00 End Time: 10:54 Billing Code(s): 90213, 90836 (be sure you include strictly psychotherapy codes or both E&M and add on psychotherapy codes if prescribing provider visit) Accompanied by: Brother CC: follow-up appt. for counseling after discharge from inpatient psychiatric unit 2 days ago HPI: 1 week from inpatient care to current partial inpatient care daily individual psychotherapy session and extended daily group sessions S- Patient states that he generally has been doing well with depressive and anxiety symptoms improved but he still feels down at times. He states he is sleeping better, achieving 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night. He states he feels the medication is helping somewhat and without any noticeable side-effects. Crisis Issues: He states he has no suicide plan and has not thought about suicide since the recent attempt. He states has no access to prescription medications, other than the fluoxetine. He believes the classes he participated in while inpatient have helped him with coping mechanisms. Reviewed Allergies: NKA Current Medications: Fluoxetine 10mg daily ROS: no complaints O- Vitals: T 98.4, P 82, R 16, BP 122/78 PE: (not always required and performed, especially in psychotherapy only visits) Heart- RRR, no murmurs, no gallops Lungs- CTA bilaterally Skin- no lesions or rashes Labs: CBC, lytes, and TSH all within normal limits Results of any Psychiatric Clinical Tests: BAI=34 MSE: Gary Davis, a 36-year-old white male, was disheveled and unkempt on presentation to the outpatient office. He was wearing dirty khaki pants, an unbuttoned golf shirt, and white shoes and appeared slightly younger than his stated age. During the interview, he was attentive and calm. He was impatient, but polite in his interactions with this examiner. Mr. Davis reported that today was the best day of his life, because he had decided he was going to be better and start his own company. His affect was labile, but appropriate to the content of his speech (i.e., he became tearful when reporting he had “bogeyed number 15†in golf yesterday). His speech was loud, pressured at times then he would quickly gain composure to a more neutral tone. He exhibited loosening of associations and flight of ideas; he intermittently and unpredictably shifted the topic of conversation from golf, to the mating habits of geese, to the likelihood of extraterrestrial life. Mr. Davis described grandiose delusions regarding his sexual and athletic performance. He reported no auditory hallucinations. He was oriented to time and place. He denied suicidal and homicidal ideation. He refused to participate in intellectual- or memory-related portions of the examination. Reliability, judgment, and insight were impaired. A - with (ICD-10 code) Differential Diagnoses: 1. choose 3 differential diagnoses 2. 3. Definitive Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, without psychotic features F33.4 Generalized Anxiety Disorder F41.1 P- Continue Fluoxetine increasing dose to 20mg. Continue outpatient counseling: partial inpatient program continued with individual and group sessions Non-pharmacological Tx: Psychotherapy Modality used: CBT Pharmacological Tx: (be specific and give detailed Rx information) Education: discussed smoking cessation Reviewed medication side effects and adherence importance Follow-up: in one week or earlier if any depressive symptoms worsen. Referrals: none at this time Grading Rubic: Assignment Criteria Level III Level II Level I Not Present Criteria 1 Level III Max Points Points: 8 Level II Max Points Points: 6.4 Level I Max Points Points: 4. Points Subjective Information 1. Complete and concise summary of pertinent information. 1. Well organized; partial but accurate summary of pertinent information (>80%). 1. Poorly organized and/or limited summary of pertinent information (50%-80%); information other than “S†provided. 1. Does not meet the criteria Assignment Criteria Level III Level II Level I Not Present Criteria 2 Level III Max Points Points: 8 Level II Max Points Points: 6.4 Level I Max Points Points: 4. Points Objective Information 1. Complete and concise summary of pertinent information. 1. Partial but accurate summary of pertinent information (>80%). 1. Poorly organized and/or limited summary of pertinent information (50%-80%); information other than “O†provided. 1. Does not meet the criteria Assignment Criteria Level III Level II Level I Not Present Criteria 3 Level III Max Points Points: 8 Level II Max Points Points: 6.4 Level I Max Points Points: 4. Points Assessment: Problem Identification and Prioritization 1. Complete problem list generated and rationally prioritized; no extraneous information or issues listed. 1. Most problems are identified and rationally prioritized, including the “main†problem for the case (>80%). 1. Some problems are identified (50%-80%); incomplete or inappropriate problem prioritization; includes nonexistent problems or extraneous information included. 1. Does not meet the criteria Criteria 4 Level III Max Points Points: 8 Level II Max Points Points: 6.4 Level I Max Points Points: 4. Points Assessment: Assessment of Current Psychiatric & Medical Condition(s) or Drug Therapy-related Problem 1. An optimal and thorough assessment is present for each problem 1. An assessment is present for each problem listed but not optimal 1. Assessment is present for 50-80% of problems 1. Does not meet the criteria Assignment Criteria Level III Level II Level I Not Present Criteria 5 Level III Max Points Points: 6 Level II Max Points Points: 4.8 Level I Max Points Points: 3. Points Assessment: Treatment Goals 1. Appropriate and relevant therapeutic goals for each identified problem. 1. Appropriate therapeutic goals for most identified problems (>80%). 1. Appropriate therapeutic goals for a few identified problems (50%-80%). 1. Less than 50% of problems have appropriate therapeutic goals. Assignment Criteria Level III Level II Level I Not Present Criteria 6 Level III Max Points Points: 6 Level II Max Points Points: 4.8 Level I Max Points Points: 3. Points Plan: Treatment Plan 1. Specific, appropriate and justified recommendations (including drug name, strength, route, frequency, and duration of therapy) for each identified problem are included. 1. Includes most of the requirements for each identified problem (>80%). 1. Incomplete and/or inappropriate for a few identified problems (50%-80%); information other than “P†provided. 1. Less than 50% of problems have an appropriate and complete treatment plan. Criteria 7 Level III Max Points Points: 6 Level II Max Points Points: 4.8 Level I Max Points Points: 3. Points Plan: Counseling, Referral, Monitoring & Follow-up 1. Specific patient education points, monitoring parameters, follow-up plan and (where applicable) referral plan for each identified problem. 1. Patient education points, monitoring parameters, follow-up plan and referral plan (where applicable) for >80% of identified problems. 1. Patient education points, monitoring parameters, follow-up plan and referral plan (where applicable) for a few identified problems (50%-80%). 1. Less than 50% of problems include appropriate counseling, monitoring, referral and/or follow-up plan. Maximum Total Points Minimum Total Points 41 points minimum 31 points minimum 1 point minimum

Paper For Above instruction

The case of Gary Davis presents a compelling example of subtle yet critical warning signs of suicidality embedded within a complex psychiatric presentation. His history, mental status examination, and current clinical state highlight the importance of vigilant assessment and tailored intervention strategies to mitigate suicide risk effectively. This paper synthesizes the warning signs of suicidality observed in Mr. Davis, explains the rationale behind the chosen treatment plan in the SOAP note, and emphasizes the significance of comprehensive care in preventing relapse and future suicidal behavior.

Introduction

Suicide risk assessment remains a cornerstone of psychiatric practice, especially in patients with mood disorders and comorbid conditions. Subtle warning signals—such as expressive labile affect, impaired judgment, and grandiose delusions—may not explicitly indicate imminent suicide but necessitate careful evaluation due to their potential escalation into acute risk. Recognizing these signs early can facilitate timely intervention, reduce morbidity, and save lives. The case of Mr. Davis illustrates such subtle warning signs and underscores the critical nature of integrating clinical observation with clinical judgment.

Warning Signs of Suicidality in the Patient

While Mr. Davis explicitly stated he had no current suicidal plans or ideation, several underlying signs suggest he remains at elevated risk for future suicide attempts. His presentation revealed affective instability, evidenced by labile mood and tearfulness when describing personal achievements (“best day of his life”), which could reflect internal emotional turmoil. His disheveled appearance might signify neglect or feelings of worthlessness, common in depressive episodes. Furthermore, his cognitive disorganization—loose associations and flight of ideas—indicates a potential manic or psychotic component, which can destabilize judgment and increase impulsivity, thus escalating suicide risk.

Grandiose delusions about sexual and athletic prowess point toward manic features that, despite their apparent positivity, could lead to risky behaviors or emotional crashes. The absence of insight and impaired judgment further amplify risk, as patients may not recognize the severity of their condition or the dangers they pose to themselves. Additionally, his refusal to participate in intellectual testing may signal avoidance, denial, or confusion—emotional states linked with suicidality or worsening psychiatric symptoms.

Implicitly, the rapid shifts in speech and topic, along with pressured speech, align with features seen in manic episodes, which often carry increased impulsivity and decreased ability to evaluate consequences. Such features, combined with paranoid or grandiose delusions, form a complex picture of ongoing internal distress and potential risk factors for suicide, especially if exacerbated by mood destabilization or medication nonadherence.

Rationale for Treatment Plan and its Components

The treatment plan for Mr. Davis included increasing fluoxetine to 20 mg and continuing outpatient psychotherapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The decision to optimize pharmacotherapy was driven by his mood stabilization needs, persistent symptoms, and previous partial response to medication. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is evidence-based for treating recurrent depression and can help reduce mood swings when titrated appropriately (Bschor & Leith, 2018). Increasing the dose aims to achieve more robust symptom control, thereby decreasing impulsivity and risk behaviors linked to mood instability.

Psychotherapy—specifically CBT—was emphasized as a non-pharmacological approach targeting maladaptive thought patterns, improving coping skills, and addressing thought distortions, such as grandiosity and paranoia. CBT’s evidence supports its role in reducing depressive and manic episodes and increasing insight (Huang et al., 2020). Special focus was placed on psychoeducation regarding warning signs of relapse, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation.

Monitoring parameters included regular follow-up appointments, assessment of side effects, and reevaluation of suicidal ideation and plans. Family involvement and psychoeducation for Mr. Davis’s brother were integral to creating a supportive environment and ensuring safety. The plan was designed to be dynamic, with the possibility of further medication adjustments and referral to a psychiatrist if symptoms escalate.

Discussion on Suicidality Prevention and Clinical Vigilance

Preventing suicide in psychiatric patients entails recognizing both overt and subtle warning signs, as illustrated in Mr. Davis’s case. The combination of mood swings, psychotic features, impaired judgment, and emotional instability necessitates continuous monitoring. Emergency plans, like safety contracts, while commonly used, should be supplemented with active engagement, family support, and ongoing risk assessment (Oquendo et al., 2014).

Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion, especially when patients display fluctuating affect, impulsivity, or delusional thinking. Therapeutic alliance, patient education, and careful medication management are vital. Addressing underlying cognitive distortions and improving emotional regulation can significantly reduce the risk of impulsive suicide attempts.

In conclusion, early detection of subtle warning signs theoretically linked to suicidality can inform targeted interventions, ultimately reducing the incidence of completed suicides. Membership in a multidisciplinary team, vigilant follow-up, and patient-centered care are essential components of effective suicide prevention strategies.

References

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