Diagnosing Mental Disorders: Schizoaffective Disorder

Client Diagnosis

Major Psychiatric Disorder(s): F25.9 Schizoaffective Disorder, Unspecified

Rationale (what did you see that supports the diagnosis?)

The client meets Criterion A (the presence of the major manic episode that is related to Criterion A of schizophrenia) for the schizoaffective disorder because she reported being extremely excited or genius during a certain period. She was agitated by the necessity to resolve the puzzle that was associated with the received secret message about Edgar Allan Poe. In addition, the client did not need to sleep for several days. However, it is important to note that no depressive moods or suicidal ideations were reported. The client also meets Criterion B (delusions or hallucinations) because she reported receiving secret messages and having many brilliant ideas. The client also meets Criterion C (the duration of symptoms) as Susie reported being genius and active during a long period, and she called these periods genius phases. It is also possible to state that the client meets Criterion D (no medication abuse) as she did not report consuming any drugs, but she wanted to take some drugs to become even more genius.

Developmental Disorder(s): No diagnosis.

Rationale (what did you see that supports the diagnosis?)

The client did not report having any disorders diagnosed while being a child, including autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, it is impossible to claim that the client has some developmental disorder that affects her mental state and behavior.

Personality Disorder(s): F60.6 Avoidant Personality Disorder

Rationale (what did you see that supports the diagnosis?)

The client can meet Criterion A (avoiding interpersonal contacts) because she discussed interactions with other people and her thoughts regarding having a husband. The clients ideas about her family and husband can be associated with Criterion B of this disorder because she seems to be unwilling to become involved in interactions with other people or strangers.

Medical Disorder(s): G47.00 Insomnia

Rationale (what did you see that supports the diagnosis?)

The client seems to meet the majority of criteria for insomnia, but an additional conversation is required to examine her sleep patterns in detail. The problem is that the client does not sleep for several days, and this aspect needs to be examined as her mental disorder can cause such problems. Furthermore, specific sleep patterns associated with the chronic type of insomnia can also provoke some of the symptoms reported by the client. As a result, the symptoms associated with the clients mental disorder can worsen because of problems with her sleep patterns.

Client Strengths

  1. The client has positive relationships with her daughter.
  2. The client can be motivated to follow some treatment.
  3. The client has no suicidal ideations.
  4. The client denies the presence of any other mental disorders.
  5. The clients home environment is stable.
  6. The client receives her daughters assistance and support.
  7. The client can be described as clever and self-confident.
  8. The client reads a lot and she can memorize some poems.

Comments/Differential Diagnosis. (Did you consider any other possible diagnoses? Identify them here, and discuss your rationale for not selecting them. You can also use this section to discuss additional observations that helped you with your diagnostic decision making

In addition to the schizoaffective disorder associated with the clients state, it is possible to diagnose schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, not all criteria for schizophrenia are met, and to diagnose bipolar disorder, it is important to note that the client has an extremely accentuated manic phase without discussing significant symptoms for the depressive phase. Currently, it is impossible to specify the clients disorder as of the bipolar type because of the lack of information regarding the clients manic and depressive episodes, but the bipolar type is assumed (ICD 10, 2017). The client also has such symptoms of schizoaffective disorder as psychosis, mania, disorganized and rapid speech, and the impossibility to focus on one idea at a time.

Reference

ICD 10. (2017). 2017/18 ICD-10-CM diagnosis code F25.9. Web.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Analysis

Rationale (what did you see that supports the diagnosis?)

Client is a 29-year old female who is obsessively concerned about her safety. She meets diagnostic criterion A due to the presence of recurring thoughts. The client believes she is being constantly watched by people. The thoughts are distressing for Debra; therefore, she attempts to suppress them by performing compulsions. The womans compulsions take the form of regularly checking locks and light switches.

The behaviors are not realistically connected to the anxiety that the client tries to alleviate. Debra meets criterion B because her compulsions take more than one hour per day (APA, 2013). Furthermore, the presence of obsessions and compulsions leads to a substantial distress in her social and occupational functioning (APA, 2013). For example, the compulsive rituals interfere with her work and limit her social interactions. The woman meets criterion C because she does not have any underlying medical conditions and substance abuse issues (APA, 2013). The clients symptoms cannot be attributed to another mental disorder (Criterion D). Debra does not recognize that the delusional beliefs are not true.

Developmental Disorder(s): No diagnosis

Rationale (what did you see that supports the diagnosis?)

The client has a BA degree and is gainfully employed, which is evidenced by her lack of financial concerns. Debra was able to name both the current and past presidents. She was alert during the interview.

Personality Disorder(s): No diagnosis

Rationale (what did you see that supports the diagnosis?)

The clients symptoms fall under four diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Debra shows no signs of other personality disorders.

Medical Disorder(s): No diagnosis

Rationale (what did you see that supports the diagnosis?)

Debra regularly exercises and does not have an eating disorder. She adheres to her diet and eats well. The client states that she does not have medical issues and does not take medications. Therefore, it is not possible to diagnose any underlying medical disorders.

Client Strengths

  1. Debra is alert, young woman who has successfully pursued a bachelors degree.
  2. The clients mother is extremely supportive and shows considerable concern over her wellbeing.
  3. The woman reports engaging in a regular exercise, which is a considerable strength since purposeful physical activities are associated with a lower risk of developing chronic illnesses. Furthermore, regular exercise is a source of stress relief. Another mental benefit of physical activities is anxiety alleviation.
  4. Debra is willing to build a social life.
  5. The woman had a normal childhood.
  6. The client is an active member of a church, which can provide her with additional support.
  7. Debra maintains a healthy diet, thereby avoiding weight disorders.
  8. The client is gainfully employed, which reduces her exposure to unexpected financial challenges.
  9. Debra does not report experiencing suicidal thoughts.
  10. The woman is not concerned about her physical appearance.

Comments/Differential Diagnosis. (Did you consider any other possible diagnoses? Identify them here, and discuss your rationale for not selecting them. You can also use this section to discuss additional observations which helped you with your diagnostic decision making

General anxiety disorder has been considered as a differential diagnosis. However, the diagnosis was discarded because the patient does not meet key criteria such as fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance (APA, 2013). Avoidant personality disorder is also not applicable to the case because the client reported seeking social interactions. In addition, Debra regularly visits a church and does not regard herself as being personally unappealing.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be misdiagnosed as anxiety; therefore, she was assessed with regard to the accuracy of her convictions (Grant, 2014). The absent insight in the presence of delusional beliefs helped to distinguish obsessive-compulsive disorder from other anxiety disorders. The woman might have experienced physical abuse from her former boyfriend, which is a stressful event that can contribute to the development of the disorder (APA, 2013).

References

APA. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Grant, J. (2014). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. The New England Journal of Medicine, 371(1), 646-653.

Insomnia and Narcolepsy: Sleeping Disorders

Humans spend approximately one-third of their life for sleeping. However, the full role of this process remains unknown. It was determined that sleep is essential for cell division, body growth and reparation, memory formation and unnecessary memory files removal, protein synthesis, immunocompetence maintenance, and metabolism regulation (Silber et al. 8). Thus, it could be stated that sleeping disorders can lead to serious health problems. Insomnia and narcolepsy are two different types of sleeping disorders. Insomnia is characterized by the reduction of quantity or quality of sleep, while narcolepsy means excessive daily sleepiness.

Insomnia

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, insomnia could be defined as a nightly complaint of an insufficient amount of sleep or not feeling rested after the habitual sleep episode (23). The definition also includes adverse daytime consequences of the sleeping disorder (Sateia and Buysse 3). The problem with the definition is that there are no accepted objective criteria that could be used for the disorder diagnosis. The level of distress and, therefore, the severity of insomnia depend on the individual characteristics of a patient. Besides, it was established that people with insomnia are inclined to overestimate the negative effect of sleeping disorder and underestimate the total time of sleep. Despite all the difficulties, nowadays, the clinical diagnosis of insomnia is based on the patients complaints and description (Sateia and Buysse 3-5).

It was stated that insomnia affected up to 30% of American citizens (Silber et al. 184). Reasons for insomnia could be various: environmental factors that prevent healthy sleep, the irregular sleep-wake cycle and unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle, stress, a wide range of physiological, neurological, and psychiatric diseases, and others (Silber et al. 185-194). It is important to determine the cause of the sleeping disorder to provide efficient therapy. For the insomnia treatment, pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical approaches are used. It is required to optimize the sleep environment and regime. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also considered to be an effective method to overcome insomnia. For pharmaceutical therapy, sedative, and hypnotic medications such as benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine benzodiazepine-receptors agonists, melatonin agonists, and antidepressants are used in clinical practice (Silber et al. 200-206).

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy could be defined as excessive sleepiness that typically is associated with cataplexy and other REM-sleep phenomena, such as sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations (American Academy of Sleep Medicine 38). All people who suffer from narcolepsy complain of daytime sleepiness which interferes with their activities. This disorder can lead to different accidents, difficulties with employment, and various social problems (Silber et al. 68).

Narcolepsy is a less common sleeping disorder than insomnia. It was estimated that up to 67 per 100,000 persons (0.067% of a population) are suffering from this disease (Silber et al. 72). Narcolepsy can be genetically determined (approximately 90% of people with narcolepsy have HLA DQB1*0602 antigen (Goswami et al. 5)) or caused by several factors, including brain tumors, neurotransmitters regulation malfunctioning, and autoimmune diseases (Silber et al. 72-75). It is important to determine the reason for the disorder because it could be a symptom of a serious illness.

For the narcolepsy treatment, pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical approaches could be proposed. Regime normalization is the first step of the therapy. It is important to develop a regular sleep-wake regime, avoid night shifts, and enhance daily activities to overcome narcolepsy. A range of stimulant medications such as modafinil, sodium oxybate, methylphenidate, pitolisant, amphetamines, and mazindol is widely used for the pharmaceutical therapy of the disorder (Barateau et al. 370-372).

Conclusion

Two different types of sleeping disorders were reviewed: insomnia (the lack of sleeping) and narcolepsy (the excessive sleepiness). Both disorders negatively affect patients work and social activities and cause significant adverse consequences. The reasons for these diseases could be various, including external and internal factors. For the insomnia treatment, sedative medicaments are used, while narcolepsy requires therapy with stimulant medications. A healthy lifestyle and regular sleep-wake daily regime are also essential for recovery.

Works Cited

American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The International Classification of Sleep Disorders: Diagnostic and Coding Manual. 2nd ed., American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2005.

Barateau, Lucie, et al. Treatment Options for Narcolepsy. CNS Drugs vol. 30, no. 5, 2016, pp. 369-379. Web.

Goswami, Meeta, et al., editors. Narcolepsy: A Clinical Guide. 2nd ed., Springer, 2016.

Sateia, Michael J., and Daniel Buysse, editors. Insomnia: Diagnosis and Treatment. 2nd ed., CRC Press, 2016.

Silber, Michael H., et al. Sleep Medicine in Clinical Practice. 2nd ed., CRC Press, 2016.

Diagnosing Mental Disorders: Somatic Symptom Disorder

Client Diagnosis

Major Psychiatric Disorder(s): F45.1 Somatic Symptom Disorder, with predominant pain, severe

Rationale

The client is a 28-year old female who reports having numerous health issues that deprive her of the possibility to work and communicate easily. These are the major issues, as identified by Catherine: her legs hurt so much that she cannot walk, her backaches frequently, she lumps that she thought to be a sign of cancer, and she has allergies when she goes outside. In the middle of the interview, she coughs slightly and says that she has a terrible cough which she considers to be a sign of pneumonia.

The client meets several criteria for Somatic Symptom Disorder, as defined by DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013):

  1. Criterion A: Catherine has more than one somatic symptoms that are disturbing her daily life (pain in legs and back, a lump, the cough);
  2. Criterion B: Catherine has excessive thoughts represented by constant thoughts about her symptoms, she has a high level of anxiety concerning her health, and she devotes excessive energy and time to her health concerns;
  3. Criterion C: The state of being symptomatic lasts longer than 6 months (Catherine reports to have had such problems for nearly ten years).

The disorder is characterized as with predominant pain since the clients somatic symptoms principally incorporate pain (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 311). It is severe since all three symptoms specified in Criterion B are present in the client, and somatic complaints are multiple.

Developmental Disorder(s): No developmental disorders diagnosed

Rationale

The clients language and motor skills are fine. She graduated from high school and entered college. Even though she did not finish it, she is trying to receive an education with the help of online courses.

Personality Disorder(s): No personality disorders diagnosed

Rationale

Although she reports having difficulty moving, Catherine says that she sometimes goes out with her friends. Her family and friends are supportive. She does not have a boyfriend, but this is not a sufficient reason to diagnose an antisocial or avoidant personality disorder.

Medical Disorder(s): No medical disorders diagnosed

Rationale

Despite the numerous complaints, the client has no outstanding medical conditions. She pays visits to doctors quite often, but they do not diagnose any illnesses.

Client Strengths

  1. Clients parents are supportive; they take her to doctors when she complains about some health issues;
  2. The client has some friends with whom she can socialize;
  3. The client does not have any history of substance abuse;
  4. The client is not suicidal or homicidal;
  5. The client is willing to find out the reason for her problems;
  6. The client agrees to make more sessions with the social worker;
  7. The client has a high degree of aspiration; she wants to continue her education;
  8. Other than somatic symptom disorder, the client does not have any psychiatric illnesses;
  9. The client reports having good access to health care;
  10. The client expresses a willingness to cope with anxiety and lead a normal lifestyle.

Comments/Differential Diagnosis. (Did you consider any other possible diagnoses? Identify them here, and discuss your rationale for not selecting them. You can also use this section to discuss additional observations that helped you with your diagnostic decision making

It was clear from the start that Catherine suffered from a Somatic Symptom Disorder. I diagnosed it because the client met all the criteria (A, B, and C). Such symptoms may also refer to Generalized Anxiety Disorder since the clients condition causes an impairment in occupational and social areas of functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). However, frequent referrals to various health issues made me convinced that it was a Somatic Symptom Disorder. The client talked about several past and present issues. Even in the course of a conversation, she pretended to have a slight cough which she defined very severe and suggested that it could be pneumonia.

Reference

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Gender Differences in Mental Disorder Prevalence

The article An Invariant Dimensional Liability Model of Gender Differences in Mental Disorder Prevalence focuses on mental disorders and their differences in both men and women. Throughout this research article, the main research topic comes out clearly to be an impact of gender on diverse comorbid mental disorders. This happens due to the result of observed gender differences in mental disorders, where women are seen to have more effects to some extent compared to men. The existing gender differences in the prevalence rates of a number of mental disorders have been found in many research studies. In this respect, the article explains different theories and research studies along with their findings and conclusions on gender differences in specific disorders. Also, the mentioned article takes into account comorbidity (Harkness, Alavi, 2010).

The research problem investigated in the article is the fact that defines whether there exists gender difference in prevalence rate of disorders as reported by several epidemiological studies or not. Their study also wanted to find out if it was possible to make a reliable model to show how a specific gender affected mental disorders. From the study, it has been found that at first gender differences exist in mental disorders and have a great effect. Secondly, there are mood along with anxiety and disorders that are emotional commonly observed in females or women. Men are known to have a high rate of drug disorders. Women have higher internalizing level and men have higher externalizing level (Grant, & Weissman, 2007).

There are other studies that show that women are more influenced by such disorders as anxiety, dysthymia, social phobia, panic disorder, at high prevalence rates than men. On the other hand, men are associated with high rate of alcohol, drugs, and antisocial personality disorders. The researchers identified that these differences had also been identified in other research studies carried out before. It has been found that the social phobia and panic disorders are the internalizing dimensions that are at high prevalence rate in females. Contrary, the externalizing dimensions are mostly are as a result of with nicotine, drugs, and other disorders that are antisocially dependence (Leedy, & Ormrod, 2011).

  1. Are there gender differences that exist in disorder prevalence rates?
  2. Are disorders often comorbid?
  3. Is it possible to develop a liability model to elaborate on the effect of gender on different mental disorders?
  4. What are the patterns of disorder comorbidity?

When we try to find out the solution to the first question, we understand the existence of gender differences as far as mental disorders are concerned. Several researchers investigated the impact of gender on mental disorders but failed to consider the comorbidity. Making an attempt to answer the above question and basing the argument from the research findings, we understand the pattern of these disorders and gender impacts towards them and, thereby, solution of the research problem should be elaborated.

The research method employed in the research finding was experimental method, which helped the author find information on different causes of mental disorders of different genders, and therefore, makes specific conclusions about their effect. Laboratory experiment had to be conducted to come with the main cause and effect of mental disorders in men and women. The non-experimental methods include diagnostic interview schedule and clinical assessment, which cause the sufficient assistance to a great extent in finding issue of gender on mental disorders.

The data used in the study was gathered from a different participant from the initial wave. The studys design of NESARC was descriptive (Grant & Dawson, 2006), and was able to yield reliable results. There was a wave, which represented a sample of civilians, population that was not institutionalized in the United States of America. There was a sample of African Americans where women represented approximately a half of the population. The participants also selected race and ethnicity using the defined category of census. The sample population was well selected, and this helped to avoid biasness in the study.

Diagnosis was conducted using the schedule of alcohol use disorder. Interviews were also conducted to gather more information on mental disorders. The results clearly indicated that the underlying common mental disorder structure was gender variant. Gender differences expressed in many different levels. Externalizing and internalizing liabilities were the source of differences in gender in prevalence rate of different related mental disorders.

High rate of anxiety and moody were observed in female analysis. The result indicated high rate of internalizing in women and high rate of externalizing in men. The model was therefore, gender invariance, where gender difference was well indicated in preferences rates. Different theories from different scholars have come up with different views and understanding on gender differences in prevalence rates. Conclusion have however, been made that high rate of internalizing in women and high rate of externalizing in men exists (Krueger et al., 2002). In reference to the results of the experiment, this is correct. This clearly indicates that, although the research had some limitations, it is to a great extent reliable. In a nutshell, the results of the analyses data have a close relationship with different theoretical views of many scholars.

References

Grant, B. F., & Dawson, D. A. (2006). Introduction to the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Alcohol Research & Health, 29, 7478.

Grant, B. F., & Weissman, M. M. (2007). Gender and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders. In W. E. Narrow, M. B. First, P. J. Sirovatka, & D. A. Regier (Eds.), Gender and age co nsiderations in diagnoses of psychiatric: A research agenda for DSM-V (pp. 3146). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

Harkness, K. L., Alavi, N., (2010). Gender differences on mental disorders: London, Oxford University Press.

Krueger, R. F., Hicks, B. M., Patrick, C. J., Carlson, S. R., Iacono, W. G., & McGue, M. (2002). Etiologic connections among substance dependence, antisocial behavior, and personality: Modeling the externalizing spectrum. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 111, 411424. Web.

Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2011). Practical research: Planning and design (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Borderline Personality Disorder in Female Patients

Introduction: Background and Essential Information

Personality disorders rank among the mental issues that are currently on the rise, according to the statement made by the National Institute of Mental Health (National Institute of Mental Health). The Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be deemed as one of the most common occurrences that, nevertheless, lead to significant negative implications (Goodman et al. 112). The fact that female patients are affected by the disorder shows that there is a specific vulnerable population whose needs must be addressed accordingly (Bertsch et al. 426). Therefore, there is an urgent need in exploring the subject matter closer so that new strategies for addressing it could be designed successfully. The practice carried out at Cambian Alders Clinic (CAC), Gloucester, UK has shown that the promotion of self-management among patients, as well as the use of the Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), is overly exaggerated as far as its success in managing BPD is concerned. (Andreasson et al. 522). Therefore, the experience can be viewed as the crucial step toward developing a new and improved approach toward improving patient outcomes.

In retrospect, the experience that I had at the hospital was twofold. On the one hand, it pointed to the areas on which I had to work in order to improve my skills. On the other hand, it provided a deeper insight into the problems that the contemporary strategies of managing the BPD in women had, therefore, shedding light on how I could possibly contribute to the improvement of the target area as a healthcare expert. Therefore, the practice that I had at CAC served as the foundation for my further evolution as a healthcare provider.

Practice Description: Patients and Their Concerns

As a Mental Health Support Worker (MHSW) at CAC, I had to carry out the suggested healthcare plans for women with BPD, as well as monitor the changes in the patients behaviour and report the observed phenomena to the therapist so that the appropriate actions could be taken. Furthermore, active promotion of physical and mental well-being was necessary along with active us of a patient-centred care approach. Thus, the foundation for significant improvements in the quality of mental care could be created, and more satisfactory patient outcomes could be achieved.

The observations carried out during the practice at CAC have shown that the application of DBT has not led to significant improvements in the target are. Particularly, the female patients suffering from BPD have not gained the required degree of independence as far as the choice of the appropriate behaviours is concerned, nor did they get rid of their suicidal tendencies (Gratz et al. 31). While their situation did not aggravate after the application of the said approach, the same support techniques of the same intensity had to be provided to prevent the incidences of suicide among the target population. Regular counselling and psychological assistance were offered to the target population, yet the patients remained at the same stage of BPD development, requiring more efficient strategies (Biskin and Paris 1791).

It was also suggested that the Schema-Focused Therapy (SFT) as the basis for improving the outcomes among patients with BPD was bound to lead to better effects (Malogiannis et al. 322). The fact that the identified approach allows creating a treatment package shows that it may possibly trigger positive long-term effects. Therefore, the identified strategy needs further studies, as the practice outcomes have shown (Leichsenring et al. 364).

Practice Evaluation: Performance and Communication

In retrospect, the practice carried out at CAC was quite successful. For instance, the essential tasks that I had to complete as the MHSW were accomplished accordingly. Particularly, the process of patient monitoring was carried out efficiently with the help of appropriate tools (i.e., close supervision, detailed records of the patients behaviour, analysis of the key trends in the behavioural changes, etc.). Furthermore, the provision of the daily care for the target population also met the set quality standards. Particularly, the quality of the patients lives was set at the appropriately high level by providing them with support and helping them accomplish their daily activities such as bathing, eating, and movement, in a more general sense (Sanchez and Moges 187).

There were also several instances of physical violence which were addressed accordingly and managed successfully. Particularly, the patients were provided with second-generation antipsychotics along with extensive therapy so that the opportunities for controlling further instances of aggression could become a possibility. The refusal from the traditional first-generation sedatives as the primary tool for controlling the patients actions can be viewed as a significant step forward and the chance to provide the patients with a certain amount of independence. As a result, a more successful management of mental disorders became possible in the environment of CAC (Lacey et al. 4).

Finally, putting a stronger emphasis on the role of families in therapy sessions carried out in the context of the hospital could be considered an essential step in promoting a faster recovery. Therefore, overall, the practice can be considered rather successful. One must mention, though, that there were some problems such as the failure to take the cultural specifics of the patients background into account when implementing the intervention. For instance, in case of an African American patient, the significance of family ties as an important cultural characteristic was omitted, leading to a prolonged therapy (Harper et al. 18).

What Has Been Learned: The Information Acquired in the Process

My experience at CAC provided a deep insight into the job of an MHSW and shed a lot of light on the issue of managing patients needs. Particularly, I have realised that every single case needs to be addressed with the patients unique cultural background in mind. The significance of understanding the target populations culture is crucial since it informs the MHSW about the tools that can be used to promote a faster recovery of the patient and determines the choice of a particular strategy (Barksdale et al. 371).

Furthermore, the importance of family and community support has been revealed during my practice as an MHSW in the CAC environment. While the gravity of failing to invite family members to participate in the patients recovery process has been known or quite a while, the importance of the community support still needed to be tested (Pang et al. 35). The practice, in its turn, served as a perfect tool for proving that the community support and assistance, in fact, creates the foundation for a faster recovery of the patient (McGorry et al. 10).

Finally, the necessity to promote cooperation among healthcare providers in the environment of a specific facility has become evident to me while I was performing as an MHSW in CAC. A range of processes occurring in the identified setting, from patient handovers to the provision of interventions, required that a significant amount of data, including the patients personal information, should be transferred from one healthcare expert to another. Therefore, there was a consistent need in deploying the tools that could allow for handoff communication, storing the relevant data, transferring it successfully, etc. My practice at CAC, therefore, showed that it was imperative to introduce modern IT tools, such as corporate networks and IT devices to improve the quality of data management (Berzin et al. 5).

New Skills and Abilities: Developing Crucial Habits

In the course of the practice, I have developed a range of new skills and abilities. For instance, I have gained the ability to engage in active listening. Working with mental health patients, I realised that it was crucial to take active part in the process of listening to the target audience. Thus, the necessity to develop the appropriate skills emerged. As a result, I have acquired the ability to prompt people to start a conversation, express their ideas, fears, and concerns, etc. (Gallagher et al. 3).

The decision-making skills have also been improved significantly over the course of working at CAC. For instance, I am capable of identifying the relevant factors and passing my judgment to address a particular problem much faster than it used to take me several months ago. As a result, the needs of the target population can be met within a much shorter amount of time, leading to improved patient outcomes (Orza et al. 58).

Finally, the ability to engage in active learning should be viewed as one of the essential skills learned in the course of practice at CAC. There is no secret that every case is unique, and experience defines the success of MHSWs efforts to a considerable degree. By focusing on acquiring new knowledge and skills on a regular basis, I started engaging in lifelong learning, thus, building a profound basis for further professional development (Lubben et al. 3).

Opportunities to Pursue: The Course for the Further Progress

Wirth the acquisition of new skills, I got a chance at exploring new opportunities as an MHSW. Particularly, the possibility of continuing my professional development by practicing the newly acquired skills in the identified healthcare setting deserves to be mentioned. Equipped with the knowledge and abilities acquired during the previous practice, I am now fully capable of applying the said skills to solve new and more challenging dilemmas faced by MHSWs in the context of a healthcare facility. For instance, I can resolve the problems associated with managing the needs of female patients with mental issues more efficiently (Diamond et al. 431).

Furthermore, the chances to explore the cultural specifics of the target patients and the way in which these characteristics affect the application of various healthcare practices need to be listed among other opportunities. With a significant amount of knowledge about the role of multiculturalism in meeting the requirements of female mental patients, I will be capable of providing the interventions that will lead to a gradual improvement of patient outcomes. Thus, a more efficient framework for managing the target populations needs will be created.

Finally, I feel that the experience described above served as a powerful impetus for the further learning, Therefore, I am positive about the idea of lifelong learning as the foundation for my future career. The opportunity to explore new horizons in mental healthcare excites me, and I feel compelled to study the target area with even greater diligence. I feel that, being equipped with the new concept of lifelong learning as the basis for addressing the needs of a diverse population, I will be able to make a difference in the area of female mental healthcare (Morrison et al. 8).

Conclusion: Retrospect and Implications for the Further Practice

Promoting improvement in the area of mental healthcare and growing professionally is a challenging task, yet practice outcomes can serve as the guide in the identification of further goals and milestones. In my case, working at CAC and MHSW became the basis for identifying my further development as lifelong learning and consistent acquisition of the relevant skills. The reason for the identified objective concerns the necessity to meet the high-quality standards of the contemporary multicultural healthcare environment.

Moreover, the practice at CAC proved that it was crucial to develop the communication skills that would compel the target population to share their concerns with the MHSW. By engaging in active listening, one can convince the patient to confide in the MHSW, thus, creating a bond that will, later on, become the foundation for a successful therapy.

The significance of community and especially family support should also be listed among the key insights of the practice. Although the concept itself is not new, the importance of helping the patient build a connection with the community members is often overlooked, and the family members often do not have the skills required to engage the patient in the process of regaining social skills. The collaboration between the MHSW, the family members, and the community, therefore, must be viewed as the foundation for a successful intervention and the further improvement of patient outcomes. Thus, the experience at CAC was truly inspiring. It became a significant step on my way to becoming an MHSW and allowed me to gain not only the relevant skills and knowledge but also confidence necessary to assist female patients with mental health concerns.

Works Cited

Andreasson, Kate, et al. Effectiveness of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Versus Collaborative Assessment and MANAGEMENT of Suicidality Treatment For Reduction of Self-Harm in Adults with Borderline Personality Traits and Disorder  A Randomized Observer-Blinded Clinical Trial. Depression and Anxiety, vol. 33, no. 6, 2016, pp. 520-530.

Barksdale, Crystal L., et al. Addressing Disparities in Mental Health Agencies: Strategies to Implement the National CLAS Standards in Mental Health. Psychological Services, vol. 11, no. 4, 2014, pp. 369 376. doi::10.1037/a0035211

Bertsch, Katja, et al. Reduced Plasma Oxytocin Levels in Female Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder. Hormones and Behaviour, vol. 63, no. 3, 2013, 424-429. doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.11.013

Berzin, Stephanie C., et al. Practice Innovation through Technology in the Digital Age: A Grand Challenge for Social Work. American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, 2015.

Biskin, Robert S., and Joel Paris. Diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder. CMAJ, vol. 184, no. 16, 2012, pp. 17891794. doi:10.1503/cmaj.090618

Diamond, Diana, et al. Attachment and Mentalization in Female Patients with Comorbid Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Disorder. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, vol. 5, no. 4, 2014, pp. 428433. doi:10.1037/per0000065

Gallagher, Elizabeth, et al. How can Community Residential Services Effectively Support Adults with Intellectual Disabilities who Present with Challenging Behaviour and/or Mental Health Problems? Austin Journal of Nursing & Health Care, vol. 1, no. 1, 2014, pp. 1-3.

Goodman, Marianne, et al. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Alters Emotion Regulation and Amygdala Activity in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder. Journal of Psychiatric Research, vol. 57, no. 1, 2014, pp. 108-116. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.06.020

Gratz, Kim L., et al. Mechanisms of Change in an Emotion Regulation Group Therapy for Deliberate Self-harm among Women with Borderline Personality Disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, vol. 65, no. 1, 2016, pp. 29-35. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2014.12.005

Harper, Erin, et al. Practitioners Perceptions of Culturally Responsive School-Based Mental Health Services for Low-Income African American Girls. School Psychology Forum: Research in Practice, vol. 10, no. 1, 2016, pp. 16-28.

Lacey, Krim K., et al. The Mental Health of US Black Women: The Roles of Social Context and Severe Intimate Partner Violence. BMJ Open, vol. 5, no. e008415, 2015, pp. 1-13. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008415

Leichsenring, F., et al. The Emerging Evidence for Long-Term Psychodynamic Therapy. Psychodynamic Psychiatry, vol. 41, no. 3, 2013, pp. 361-384. doi:10.1521/pdps.2013.41.3.361

Lubben, James, et al. Social Isolation Presents a Grand Challenge for Social Work. Grand Challenges for Social Work Initiative, vol. 1, no. 1, 2015, pp. 1-20.

Malogiannis, Ioannis A., et al. Schema Therapy for Patients with Chronic Depression: A Single Case Series Study. Journal of Behaviour Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, vol. 45, no. 3, 2014, pp. 319-329. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2014.02.003 0005-7916

McGorry, Patrick, et al. Response to Jorm: Headspace  A National and International Innovation with Lessons for Redesign of Mental Health Care in Australia. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 50, no. 1, 2016, pp. 910. doi:10.1177/0004867415624553

Morrison, Laura, et al. Harnessing the Learning Community Model to Integrate Trauma-Informed Care Principles in Service Organizations. New York University Silver School of Social Work, 2015.

National Institute of Mental Health. Any Personality Disorder. 2017, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/any-personality-disorder.shtml. Accessed 10 June 2017.

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Pang, Sing M. C., et al.  Health Outcomes, Community Resources for Health, and Support Strategies 12 Months after Discharge in Patients with Severe Mental Illness. Hong Kong Medical Journal, vol. 21, no. 2, 2015, pp. 32-36.

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Neurological Disorders and Differential Diagnoses

What do you believe is your best course of action for this appointment?

The patient should remain in the medical care facility until the diagnosis is established and the breathing patterns are restored to prevent future episodes of seizures and breathing troubles. Stabilizing the patient in the medical setting will relieve the currently presented problems and enable to carry out the necessary diagnostic procedures needed to determine the course of treatment. Stabilizing the patient will take two or three steps, depending on the overall condition. First of all, it is crucial to ensure that further seizure episodes do not occur. Some of the medications that can be used to prevent seizures shortly are Levetiracetam and Valproic Acid, which should be administered in the amount and regularity based on the patients age and risk for seizures of the patient.

It is also necessary to promote free breathing since it has been obstructed by the inhaling of water into the lungs. In the management of water immersion injury, Cantwell (2016) recommends supplementing 100% oxygen to the patient via an oxygen mask, as well as to monitor blood gas and pulse oxymetry. Regular tests for blood glucose are also required to keep appropriate glycemic levels (Cantwell, 2016). As a result of water damage to the lungs, PEEP may be necessary to improve ventilation patterns in the noncompliant lung (Cantwell, 2016). Diagnostic measures are also needed to differentiate between the likely diagnoses. For instance, chest radiography may show whether damage to the lung has indeed occurred, causing aspiration pneumonia (Swaminathan, 2017). On the other hand, to explore the possibility of newly acquired status epilepticus, it is crucial to determine the focal CNS lesion by performing MRI (Roth, 2016).

What clinical or historical findings will indicate the need for diagnostic studies and why? Which diagnostic studies will you initially order and why?

Since one of the possible diagnoses, in this case, is epilepsy, it is crucial to review the medical history of the patient to establish the state of his nervous system and determine required diagnostic measures (Burns, Dunn, Brady, Starr, & Blosser, 2016). Historical findings indicating the possibility of epilepsy include underlying medical diagnoses, such as diabetes, renal disease, and cardiovascular disorders, previous CNS infection, intrauterine infection or trauma, recent head injuries, family history of seizures (Burns et al., 2016). Clinical findings that would indicate the need for further diagnostics of epilepsy include abnormal EEG (Burns et al., 2016). MRI would help to confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy as it would determine the existence and location of the focal CNS lesion (Roth, 2016). In the case of aspiration pneumonia, however, particular attention should be paid to the physical exam of the patients breathing to identify any abnormal noise in the lungs (Swaminathan, 2017). Chest radiography would be used to support the diagnosis as it would show any pathological changes in lung structure and indicate remaining liquid or damage to the lung (Swaminathan, 2017).

What would be three differentials in this case?

There are three main differential diagnoses in the present case. First, seizures may indicate a newly-acquired status epilepticus. Secondly, it is highly possible that the patient developed aspiration pneumonia due to the inhaling of liquid from the swimming pool. The patients symptoms, including a persistent cough, tachypnea, hypoxia, and tachycardia, support this suggestion (Swaminathan, 2017). The third differential diagnosis is a generalized seizure. Given the patients history of tonic-clonic seizures, absence seizures, and frequent myoclonus, it is possible to suggest that the incident was not caused by any new condition.

References

Burns, C., Dunn, A., Brady, M., Starr, N. B., & Blosser, C. (2013). Pediatric primary care (5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders.

Cantwell, G. P. (2016). Drowning treatment & management. Medscape. Web.

Roth, J. L. (2016). Status epilepticus overview. Medscape. Web.

Swaminathan, A. (2017). Medscape. Web.

Bulimia Nervosa and Antisocial Personality Disorder

Major Psychiatric Disorder(s): F50.2 Bulimia Nervosa

Michael is thirty-two years old, and he has significant problems with his weight because this man has gained approximately thirty extra pounds during the last six months. Moreover, the young man does not do any physical exercises and consumes unhealthy meals. Michael prefers fast food, food soaked with oil (e.g., chips, French fries, burgers, etc.). Therefore, his food is not nutritious and not rationed properly (American Psychiatric Association, 2014). He also drinks alcohol and does not consider it a problem because his family members do it as well. Also, the patient always feels tired and is not ready for doing physical work, which might be influenced by his poor diet.

Developmental Disorder(s): No diagnosis

Michael was punished for being restless in his childhood, which means that he had an active lifestyle. Moreover, he feels that he is the voice of reason in his family. The patient does not hear voices and does not have any visual hallucinations.

Personality Disorder(s): F60.2 Antisocial Personality Disorder

The patient does not have any desire to go out and entertain himself. His best friend was murdered, which worsened his mood for an extended period. Today, Michael is always in depression, does not want to meet any people or get acquainted with somebody. Moreover, patients grandfather died because of a brain aneurysm. All these factors together could have influenced patients emotional and physical condition, as he avoids being in public and doing sports.

Medical Disorder(s): Migraine

The patient said that his head is constantly aching, but the man avoids going to his doctor because he does not want to hear bad news about his health and does not want to cope with extra problems.

Client Strengths:

  1. The client has no suicidal thoughts, which means that he is a strong willed person because many other patients with almost the same problems think about committing suicide.
  2. The client is very concerned about his familys health. He takes good care of his grandmother and always worries about other family members health conditions.
  3. The client was caught doing drugs in college, but he got rid of this addiction later and is not dependent on it anymore.
  4. The client does not have any hallucinations that could have been caused by multiple stresses, which he was destined to face due to his grandfathers and close friends departure.
  5. The client feels that he remains the voice of reason in his family, which might be beneficial for his competence in making wise decisions.
  6. The client is a Christian. Perhaps, his faith is very strong, and he will cope with his disabilities and depression with the help of God.
  7. Although Michael is at risk of losing his job, he still works, continues to support his family, and makes his own living.
  8. The client is very sensitive and takes every unfortunate event very close to his heart, which means that he is a good friend and a reliable person.
  9. The client supports his siblings with money and will never leave his family members in an awkward situation.

Comments/Differential Diagnosis

It is evident that the client has significant problems with his diet and might have obesity in the nearest future if he does not change his daily meals. I considered a diagnosis of Unspecified Insomnia Disorder because Michael does not have a healthy night rest (American Psychiatric Association, 2014). Perhaps, this issue was caused by his poor diet that has an adverse impact on humans nervous and immune systems. Moreover, I thought that there was a possibility of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder diagnosis because the client was caught for being restless in school and was very active in college.

Reference

American Psychiatric Association. (2014). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Its Causes

Introduction

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which individuals repeatedly experience invasive thoughts and ideas, and feel a strong, irresistible urge to repeatedly engage in certain behaviours. Carrying out these behaviours (rituals) may take a considerable amount of time of an affected individual each day. Furthermore, many patients suffering from OCD show a high degree of resistance to both pharmacotherapeutic and psychological treatment (Drubach, 2015; OConnor & Aardema, 2012). This paper is aimed at assessing the current evidence pertaining to the causes of OCD, in order to decide whether biological or psychosocial factors lead to this condition. However, it is found out that the causes of the disorder are still unclear; researchers hope that unveiling these causes might help to find more effective treatments for the condition.

Symptoms of OCD

OCD is a rather widespread disorder which affects nearly 1-3% or 2-3% of the general population (Figee et al., 2011; Milad & Rauch, 2012); in nearly three-fourths of cases, the onset of the disorder occurs at the mean age of 11 years; in other situations, the onset often takes place at the mean age of 23 years (Taylor, 2011). There is a debate pertaining to the classification of this disorder; it is uncertain whether it should be considered a putative obsessive-compulsive-related disorder or an anxiety disorder (Abramowitz, Taylor, & McKay, 2009). The symptoms of this condition include repetitive thoughts, impulses, ideas, and images, which are called obsessions, as well as recurrent behaviours (rituals and habits) or mental acts, which are labelled compulsions; these take place spontaneously and frequently, and are intrusive, i.e. an individual suffering from OCD perceives them as unwanted, but is incapable of controlling them (Kearney & Trull, 2015, p. 110; Gillan et al., 2014).

The diagnostic criteria for obsessions include the following: a) the person experiences persistent or repetitive thoughts, images, or impulses, which are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems, are intrusive, and lead to distress and anxiety in the individual; b) the patient tries to disregard or suppress these thoughts or replace them with some other types of mental acts; c) the individual realises that the obsessions are rooted in their mind, and are not of external origins (Hudak & Dougherty, 2011, p. 2).

Simultaneously, the diagnostic criteria for compulsions are as follows:

  1. the person feels a strong urge to repetitively carry out certain behaviours (e.g., washing ones hands; checking something, such as whether the door is locked or the light switch is off; ordering objects; and so on) or mental acts (such as repeating words, praying, etc.) in accordance with their obsession, possibly in order to comply with some (self-imposed) rules;
  2. the compulsive mental acts or behaviours are carried out so as to prevent some adverse situation or happening, but are not related to it in a realistic manner or are obviously excessive (Hudak & Dougherty, 2011, p. 2).

It is, however, noteworthy that certain patients state that their obsessions might not be well-defined thoughts; instead, they just feel the urge to repeat certain behaviours until they feel that they are satisfied with the result; prior to that, they are convinced that the action has not yet been done correctly (Hudak & Dougherty, 2011).

While it is possible to clearly articulate the symptoms of OCD, the final and definite answer to the question about the causes of the disorder is yet to be found (OConnor & Aardema, 2012). Currently, it is hypothesised that the disorder may be a result of both biological and psychological causes.

Possible Biological Origins of OCD

The possible biological causes of OCD might be linked to certain genetic factors. Some studies which researched the possible common occurrence of the symptoms of OCD in twins and other relatives imply that the disorder may have an aetiology that is partially dependent on genetic causes (Riesel, Endrass, Kaufmann, & Kathmann, 2011). In particular, it is stressed that the symptoms of OCD may be inherited; for instance, in twins, the level of heritability is moderate, and can vary from 45% to 65% among kids, and from 27% to 47% among adult individuals; that is, genetic factors account for the indicated percent of variance in the studied individuals (Abramowitz et al., 2009, p. 493; Riesel et al., 2011, p. 317). Among adults, the remaining percentage of variance (53-73%) is stated to be explained by environmental causes (Abramowitz et al., 2009, p. 493).

It is also highlighted that evidence for susceptibility loci on chromosomes 3q, 6q, 7p, 1q, and 15q was discovered, but that these results were not replicated in a consistent manner by other scientists; this may be remedied by identifying endophenotypes (trait markers) of the disorder, that is, quantitative biological or cognitive traits that represent simpler clues to genetic underpinnings than the syndrome itself (Riesel et al., 2011, p. 317). It is possible that the increased error-monitoring and the enhanced error-related activity of the brain might be used as such an endophenotype, for it was observed significantly more frequently in patients with OCD and their relatives in comparison to healthy individuals in the study by Riesel et al. (2011). Clearly, error-related activity is directly linked to the compulsions shown by the patients, that is, the need to repeatedly perform an action or repeat a procedure because the person feels that it has not been done properly (Hudak & Dougherty, 2011).

Neuropathophysiologically, OCD is associated with disruptions in the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems of the brain, in particular, with hypersensitivity of postsynaptic serotonin receptors; however, it is highlighted that studies tying these problems to particular genetic causes had been inconsistent (Abramowitz et al., 2009, p. 492). It might be observed that the symptom of compulsionsthe need to repeat the behaviour until one feels satisfied that the action has been carried out properlymight be linked to dopaminergic activity, for dopamine is the substance which causes the feeling of satisfaction. In this respect, it is important to stress that OCD patients demonstrate weaker reward processing activity of the brain (Figee et al., 2011), which is what might cause them to feel unsatisfied until the behaviour has been repeated many times.

On the whole, however, it should be noted that because both OCD-affected individuals and their relatives show certain features which are directly linked to OCD (such as the mentioned increased error-monitoring), because it was found that the disorder has moderate levels of heritability, and because genetic factors account for a significant (even though moderate) amount of variance related to OCD in twins, it might be possible to conclude that OCD may be caused by genetic factors.

Possible Psychosocial Origins of OCD

It is stated that the cognitive-behavioural approach to identifying the possible psychological or psychosocial causes of OCD is one which has been supported with the largest amount of evidence among such models (Abramowitz et al., 2009).According to this approach, both obsessions and compulsions may have their origins in some kinds of dysfunctional beliefs. This model is based on the fact that in the overall population, the occurrence of undesired mental intrusions, such as unpleasant or repulsive thoughts or ideas, is not uncommon, and is, in fact, experienced by the majority of individuals; these intrusions are similar in content to the obsessions of people with OCD (Abramowitz et al., 2009).

For instance, an individual may have a thought or a mental image of a situation in which the members of their family are killed or mutilated; in most cases, such ideas will be dismissed as meaningless. However, the proponents of the cognitive-behavioural approach argue that the frequent occurrence of such intrusions may gradually result in the development of an obsession, when the individual experiencing these intrusions starts regarding them as threatening (as cited in Abramowitz et al., 2009). These obsessions, in turn, lead to the emergence of compulsive rituals, which might be aimed both at the removal of intrusion and at precluding the occurrence of the harmful event; the rituals then become persistent due to the fact that they reduce the amount of anxiety that an individual experiences (Abramowitz et al., 2009).

It is stressed that the cognitive-behavioural model of the development of OCD allows for explaining the width of the range of objects to which OCD might be related (Abramowitz et al., 2009); for instance, a person who is afraid of becoming diseased might develop the compulsion of repeatedly washing their hands. However, even though this model was supported by a number of studies, Abramowitz et al. (2009) points out that that it does not explain a large percentage of cases of OCD, in which persons have essentially normal scores on measures of& [dysfunctional] beliefs (p. 494).

Further Considerations

It should be noted that most of the literature found by the author of this paper was focused on biological causes of OCD. The evidence in the sources which were used also suggests that the disorder is highly likely to have roots in genetic factors. However, it is difficult to provide an explanation of OCD only using biological causes; in particular, it is still unknown how to explain the heterogeneity of obsessions and compulsions experienced by the patients with OCD (Abramowitz et al., 2009; Taylor, 2011). In addition, as has been noted above, genetic factors account for a statistically significant amount of variance in the occurrence of the OCD symptoms, but this amount is only moderate (Abramowitz et al., 2009, p. 493; Riesel et al., 2011, p. 317). Therefore, it might be most reasonable to consider OCD to be a disorder originating from both biological and psychosocial factors.

Conclusion

Therefore, the review of the current literature containing evidence pertaining to the aetiology of OCD revealed that currently, it is impossible to attribute this disorder to any particular factors. The studies which investigated the possibility of concrete genetic causes affecting the development of OCD have been inconsistent, even though such factors, on the whole, do explain a significant amount of variance in the occurrence of OCD. On the other hand, psychosocial factors, which also been supported by a number of studies, fail to explain the occurrence of the disorder in persons without dysfunctional beliefs. Therefore, it might be concluded that OCD may simultaneously be rooted in both genetic and psychosocial factors, although it is yet to be found out in which ones.

References

Abramowitz, J. S., Taylor, S., & McKay, D. (2009). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Lancet, 374(9688), 491-499. Web.

Drubach, D. A. (2015). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology, 21(3), 783-788. Web.

Figee, M., Vink, M., de Geus, F., Vulink, N., Veltman, Westenberg, H., & Denys, D. (2011). Dysfunctional reward circuitry in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 69(9), 867-874. Web.

Gillan, C. M., Morein-Zamir, S., Urcelay, G. P., Sule, A., Voon V., Apergis-Schoute, A. M.,&Robbins, T. W. (2014). Enhanced avoidance habits in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 75(8), 631-638. Web.

Hudak, R., & Dougherty, D. D. (Eds.). (2011). Clinical obsessive-compulsive disorders in adults and children. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Kearney, C. A., & Trull, T. J. (2015). Abnormal psychology and life: A dimensional approach. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.

Milad, M. R., & Rauch, S. L. (2012). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Beyond segregated cortico-striatal pathways. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(1), 43-51. Web.

OConnor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinicians handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.

Riesel, A., Endrass, T., Kaufmann, C., & Kathmann, N. (2011). Overactive error-related brain activity as a candidate endophenotype for obsessive-compulsive disorder: Evidence from unaffected first-degree relatives. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 168(3), 317-324.

Taylor, S. (2011). Early versus late onset obsessivecompulsive disorder: Evidence for distinct subtypes. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(7), 1083-1100. Web.

Mental Disorders and Adam Lanzas Case

Mental Illness vs. Mental Disorder: Comparison and Contrast

Emotional well-being or mental health is a condition of prosperity in which the individual understands his or her capacities, abilities to withstand worries of life and make gainfully and productive commitment to his or her community. Emotional sickness alludes to an extensive variety of psychological wellness conditions. Mental illnesses are disorders that influence your state of mind, speculation, and conduct. Cases of emotional instability incorporate discouragement, uneasiness issue, schizophrenia, dietary problems, and addictive practices (Hazel, 2003).

Mental illness is influenced by natural, formative, and psychosocial components. However, mental illness can be treated with approaches similar to those connected to a physical ailment (anticipation, determination, treatment, and rehabilitation).

Similarities between mental illness and mental disorders

Mental illness Mental disorders
Affects the individual state of mind Affects the patient state of mind
Can be treated Can be treated
Can lead to complications Causes complications
Affects the quality of life Affects the quality of life

One example of each similarity

  1. Anorexia Nervosa and bipolar disorder affect the individuals state of mind.
  2. Both ailments can be treated and managed.
  3. Anorexia Nervosa and bipolar disorder affect the patients quality of life and social integration.

Differences between mental disorders and mental illness

Differences Mental disorders Mental illness
The source of the condition Affects the brain Affects body organs
Location Psychological Direct or indirect infection of a body part
Diagnosis/treatment Psychological/mood behaviors Test, examination, blood samples

One example of each difference

  1. Acute stress disorder originates from the brain while Anorexia Nervosa affects the mind.
  2. Acute stress disorder affects the patients mood while Anorexia Nervosa affects eating behavior.
  3. Acute stress disorder can be treated with psychological therapy while Anorexia Nervosa can be managed with medications

Speculation on Adam Lanza: Video Games and Mental Health Treatment

Savage computer games have been reprimanded for school shootings, increments in harassing, and brutality towards women. Faultfinders contend that these recreations desensitize players to viciousness, compensate players for mimicking brutality, and instruct the kids that savagery is a satisfactory approach to determine clashes. A few companion surveys demonstrated that kids who play M-evaluated games will probably spook and bully their associates, get into physical battles, be threatening, contend with educators, and show animosity towards their colleagues in school. Gamepads or controllers are so refined and the amusements are realistic to the point that reproducing fiercer demonstrations improves the learning of those brutal practices. Thus, I can speculate that a violent video game is a risk factor for Adam Lanza.

Hypothesize

Adam Lanzas mental disorder was treatable. Thus, I believe he would have been a good candidate for the treatment of his mental illness.

Justification

Adam Lanza was administered with antidepressant Celexa. Citalopram is utilized to treat gloom or depression. It might enhance your vitality level and sentiments of prosperity. Citalopram is known as a particular serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This pharmaceutical works by reestablishing equilibrium with specific normal substances (serotonin) in the mind.

Adam Lanza: Preventive Psychological Intervention for Mental Health

Once the mental disorder is analyzed, there are a few approaches to treatment. Psychological behavioral treatment is one approach utilized for treating depressive disorders. Treatment comprises of recognizing replicating techniques for children and their folks. The advisor helps children to recognize psychological mutilations. The subjective hypothesis proposes that discouraged youngsters negative self-recognitions reflect intellectual twists about the self and the society (Hazel, 2003). Psychological hypotheses expect that mistakes in depressive judgment are influenced by pessimistic inclination presented by the antagonistic self-patterns of discouraging people (Maag, 2002). By implication, intellectual behavioral treatment or CBT of depressive moods includes the utilization of specific techniques, coordinated in the accompanying three areas: insight, conduct, and physiology (McGinn, 2000). In the subjective area, patients are educated to amend their negative perceptions and thoughts. In behavioral space, patients learn movement planning, social aptitudes, and self-assuredness. In physiological space, patients are shown unwinding procedures, reflection, and lovely images (McGinn, 2000).

Justification

Medications for mental disorders are characterized and viable for depression and mental illness. Instructors, pediatricians, or other social insurance suppliers regularly are the first to put a name to the adjustments in a tykes conduct that is seen with sadness. An emotional well-being psychologist can check a speculated conclusion and help a parent and kid comprehend the cluster and advantages of various treatment alternatives. A treatment program will join psychotherapy and prescriptions. The previous depends on age-suitable correspondence as a device for achieving changes in a patients emotions or conduct. While distinctive sorts of treatments can be administered in different groups, surveys have demonstrated that without a moments hesitation approaches that focus on taking care of issues (as opposed to on picking up understanding into mental procedures) are ideal.

Differentiating Mental Disorders: Functional, Minor, and Manic-Depressive

Practical emotional instability or functions mental disorder is an ailment of a dominatingly mental cause. It might incorporate conditions, for example, wretchedness, schizophrenia, state of mind issue, or nervousness (Maag, 2002).

Bipolar confusion or manic-depressive behavior causes genuine moves in mind-set, vitality, and conduct. The condition alters the patients mood from the highs of insanity on one extraordinary, to the lows of wretchedness on the other. The cycles of bipolar issues keep going for quite a long time, weeks, or months.

References

Maag, J. W. (2002). Contextually based approach for treating depression in school-age children. Intervention in School and Clinic, 37(1), 237-241.

McGinn, L. K. (2000). Cognitive behavioral therapy of depression: Theory, treatment, and empirical status. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 54(1), 323-331.

Hazel, P. (2003). Depression in children and adolescents. American Family Physician, 67(1), 577-580.