Trauma Case Study: Reason For Referral Maryam Is A 17 ✓ Solved

CNL-545 Trauma Case Study Reason for Referral Maryam is A 17

Maryam is a 17-year-old Caucasian female university student who was referred to your agency by her physician, Dr. Jaffee. Maryam presented in her doctor’s office complaining of lack of sleep. Dr. Jaffee did not give her medication, as Maryam has reported drinking three to four glasses of vodka and orange juice per night to sleep. Dr. Jaffee’s report indicates the patient is sleeping 2-4 hours per night and often awakens with nightmares. Blood tests were normal with the exception of slightly elevated liver enzymes. Blood pressure was 130/94. Patient was scheduled for a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks.

Maryam arrived on time for her appointment. She was driven to the appointment by her university roommate. The client appeared anxious, had circles under her eyes, and was tearful during the intake. Maryam was oriented to time, place, and person. Client vocabulary was above average. Client appeared tired and despondent evidenced by low voice, soft speech, and flat affect.

Presenting Problem: Maryam states, “I can’t drive a car. I’m too afraid that someone will hit me or I’ll hit someone else. I can’t sleep so I don’t get up to go to class in the morning.” Client states, “I’m afraid to drive.” She goes on to state, “I made such a horrible mistake; I don’t deserve to live. I’m so stupid.” Client states that she was involved in a three-car accident 2 months ago. Client reports one person was critically injured and the other was treated and released at the hospital. Client reports she received a citation, as she turned in front of two oncoming cars at a red light.

Client reports that she lives in student housing on the campus of a local university. She has one roommate who brought her to today’s appointment. Maryam’s family lives out of state. She has no relatives who live locally. Maryam is facing legal problems due to the accident.

Paper For Above Instructions

Maryam's case illustrates the profound impact that traumatic experiences can have on a young individual's mental and emotional well-being. As a trauma case study, it is crucial to assess her psychological state, coping mechanisms, and support systems to develop an effective treatment plan that addresses her needs.

Maryam, a university student, is demonstrating classic signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following her involvement in a vehicular accident that resulted in critical injuries to one participant. PTSD can often emerge in individuals who experience or witness traumatic events, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The fact that she is relying on alcohol to cope with her feelings of anxiety and insomnia indicates a maladaptive method of managing distress.

The reduced sleep duration, that Maryam experiences (only 2-4 hours) along with frequent nightmares about the accident, could further exacerbate her mental health issues and hinder her academic responsibilities. Research indicates that insufficient sleep can contribute to poor cognitive function and increased emotional vulnerability (Walker, 2017). Maryam’s reported struggle to attend class illustrates the direct effects of her psychological distress on her academic performance and daily life.

It is essential to recognize her statement, “I made such a horrible mistake; I don’t deserve to live. I’m so stupid.” This reflects a severe level of self-blame and low self-esteem, which may also signal the presence of underlying depression. The correlation between trauma and depression is well-documented, often leading to a cycle of negative thought patterns and emotional instability (Kessler et al., 2017). As a result, addressing her cognitive distortions is crucial to her recovery.

Maryam’s support system appears limited. Though she has a roommate who is supportive enough to accompany her to appointments, the absence of local family support exacerbates her feelings of isolation (Berk, 2014). This situation calls for the incorporation of community support resources into her treatment plan. Engaging with peer support groups or counseling services available on campus could offer her an avenue to connect with others experiencing similar challenges, reducing feelings of isolation (Hoffman et al., 2016).

From a legal standpoint, the ramifications of her involvement in the accident add additional stress to her mental state. The anxiety surrounding potential legal consequences may further inhibit her willingness to seek help or actively engage in therapy. Legal counselling may be necessary to help her navigate these waters and alleviate anxiety about her situation (Shackford et al., 2018).

It is imperative for her treatment plan to focus on evidence-based interventions commonly effective in managing PTSD symptoms and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promising results in reducing PTSD symptoms by equipping patients with techniques to process their trauma and challenge dysfunctional thoughts (Foa et al., 2007). Furthermore, addressing the alcohol use that Maryam employs as a coping mechanism is crucial. Substance Use Disorder treatment protocols may need to be integrated into her overall care plan (Brunette et al., 2016).

In conclusion, Maryam’s case is multifaceted, involving psychological trauma, maladaptive coping strategies, and limited support systems. A comprehensive approach, integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy, substance use treatment, and establishing a supportive network will be critical in promoting her healing and reintegration into her academic life. Regular follow-ups should be scheduled to assess her progress and to adapt the treatment plan as necessary to ensure that she is receiving the most effective care.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
• Berk, L. E. (2014). Development through the lifespan. Pearson.
• Brunette, M. F., Xie, H., & Darvish, Y. (2016). The integration of substance use treatment with mental health treatment for people with co-occurring disorders. Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 12(2), 87-97.
• Foa, E. B., Keane, T. M., & Friedman, M. J. (2007). Effective treatments for PTSD: Practice guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Guilford Press.
• Hoffman, J. D., & Quint, J. B. (2016). The role of peer support in ameliorating psychological distress among individuals with PTSD. Journal of Mental Health, 25(6), 132-138.
• Kessler, R. C., Sonnega, A., Bromet, E., Hughes, M., Nelson, C., & Wiesner, L. (2017). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52(12), 1048-1060.
• Shackford, S. R., et al. (2018). Legal implications of psychological trauma in personal injury cases. Journal of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, 84(3), 568-574.
• Walker, A. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Scribner.