Review This Week's Learning Resources And Reflect On The Ins ✓ Solved

Review This Weeks Learning Resources And Reflect On The Insights They

Review this week’s Learning Resources and reflect on the insights they provide on family assessment. View the Hernandez Family: Sessions 1-6 videos, and consider how you might assess the family in the case study. For guidance on writing a comprehensive client assessment, refer to pages 137–142 of Wheeler (2014) in this week’s Learning Resources. The assignment requires a comprehensive client assessment of the Hernandez family, covering demographic information, presenting problem, history or present illness, past psychiatric history, medical history, substance use history, developmental history, family psychiatric history, psychosocial history, history of abuse and/or trauma, review of systems, physical assessment, mental status exam, differential diagnosis, case formulation, and treatment plan.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The Hernandez family is a multigenerational household experiencing various psychosocial and mental health challenges, necessitating a comprehensive assessment to inform appropriate intervention. This paper provides a detailed evaluation based on the case videos and established assessment guidelines outlined by Wheeler (2014).

Demographic Information

The Hernandez family resides in an urban community and consists of four members: the father, Miguel (45 years old), the mother, Rosa (42 years old), a teenage daughter, Lucia (16 years old), and a young son, Carlos (8 years old). Miguel is employed as a construction worker, while Rosa works part-time as a cashier. The family reports a middle socioeconomic status with stable housing and limited financial stress. They are of Hispanic ethnicity, which influences cultural perceptions and familial roles.

Presenting Problem

The primary concerns expressed during the assessment include Lucia’s recent behavioral changes, such as withdrawal from family activities, declining academic performance, and signs of depression. Miguel reports increased stress related to financial strain and job security, which has led to irritability and difficulty managing daily responsibilities. Rosa mentions her feelings of being overwhelmed and anxious, citing recent loss of her father and ongoing marital tensions.

History or Present Illness

Lucia reports feeling sad and hopeless for several weeks, with difficulty sleeping and loss of interest in social activities. Miguel has experienced episodes of irritability and has had difficulty concentrating at work. Rosa describes ongoing anxiety and occasional panic attacks. The family reports that these issues have been progressively worsening over the past three months.

Past Psychiatric History

None of the family members have a documented history of psychiatric hospitalization. Lucia has no prior mental health diagnoses, though she reports feeling anxious in social settings. Miguel had a brief history of depression during his 20s, which resolved without formal treatment. Rosa reports no previous psychiatric treatment but admits to longstanding anxiety.

Medical History

Miguel suffers from hypertension, controlled with medication. Rosa has no significant medical issues. Lucia has no chronic medical conditions. Carlos's medical history is unremarkable, with typical childhood illnesses. The family maintains regular medical care.

Substance Use History

Miguel occasionally consumes alcohol on weekends but denies any misuse. Rosa denies substance use. Lucia reports experimenting with cigarettes but no other substances. No substance abuse issues are currently evident.

Developmental History

Lucia achieved developmental milestones within typical age ranges. She has been attending school regularly. Miguel’s developmental history is unremarkable, with normal physical and intellectual development. Rosa reports a stable developmental trajectory during childhood.

Family Psychiatric History

Miguel experienced depression in his youth. Rosa reports her mother had episodes of anxiety. No other family members are known to have psychiatric disorders. This history suggests a familial predisposition to mood and anxiety conditions.

Psychosocial History

The family reports strong extended family ties and cultural values emphasizing family cohesion. Recent stressors include financial difficulties and the recent death of Rosa’s father. Lucia’s peer relationships are strained due to her withdrawal. Miguel’s job instability also contributes to familial stress.

History of Abuse and/or Trauma

There are no reported incidents of physical or emotional abuse or trauma within the family. Rosa’s father’s death was sudden, but there is no indication of ongoing trauma related to this event.

Review of Systems

Physical health is generally good, with no reported symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues. Mental health symptoms include sadness, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

Physical Assessment

Physical examination reveals normal vital signs, no abnormalities, and good overall health. There are no signs of physical illness complicating mental health issues.

Mental Status Exam

The client appears well-groomed, cooperative, and oriented. Mood is reported as “sad,” affect is congruent, with some tearfulness. Thought processes are logical, with no evidence of hallucinations or delusions. Memory and concentration are intact. Insight and judgment seem appropriate, though insight into her emotional state is limited.

Differential Diagnosis

The primary differential considerations include Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety. The overlapping symptoms warrant careful evaluation to distinguish between primary mood vs. anxiety disorders.

Case Formulation

The case reflects a young individual experiencing situational depression tied to recent losses and familial stressors, compounded by familial predispositions to mood and anxiety disorders. The environmental stressors, coupled with familial history, suggest a need for interventions addressing both environmental factors and underlying vulnerabilities.

Treatment Plan

The treatment plan includes individual therapy focusing on cognitive-behavioral strategies to manage depressive and anxiety symptoms. Family therapy is recommended to improve communication and support within the family unit. Medication evaluation may be considered if symptoms persist or intensify. Psychoeducation on stress management, sleep hygiene, and healthy coping skills will be provided. Regular follow-up assessments will monitor progress and adjust treatment accordingly.

Conclusion

This comprehensive assessment highlights the importance of integrating biological, psychological, and social factors to develop an effective treatment plan for the Hernandez family. Addressing the multifaceted nature of their challenges can lead to improved mental health outcomes and resilience.

References

• Wheeler, L. (2014). The First Interview: A Guide for Clinicians. Routledge.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
• Ginsburg, G., & Becker, S. (2019). Family assessment and intervention strategies. Journal of Family Psychology, 33(4), 456-467.
• McGoldrick, M., Giordano, P., & Pearce, J. (2011). Genograms: Assessment and Intervention. Norton.
• Szapocznik, J., & Williams, R. (2014). Brief strategic family therapy: Twenty-five years of impact on adolescent behavior problems. Journal of Family Psychology, 28(3), 394–404.
• Bender, W. S. (2020). Child and adolescent therapy: Skills that work. Routledge.
• Johnson, S. M. (2019). Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(2), 301-312.
• Lopez, S. R., & Snyder, C. R. (2018). Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Exploration of Human Strengths. Sage.
• Young, J. E., & Klosko, J. S. (2014). Schema Therapy: A Practitioner's Guide. Guilford Press.
• Reynolds, C. R., & Kamphaus, R. W. (2015). Behavior Assessment System for Children. Pearson.