The Diagnosis and Treatment of Helen’s Mental Health Disorder

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Identifying Symptoms Consistent with Helen’s Clinical Diagnosis
A Comprehensive Examination of Symptoms and Behaviors
Ethical Considerations in Psychopharmacological Treatment Administration
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Mental health disorders are complicated problems that can present in a variety of ways, affecting a person’s daily functioning and general well-being. Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder are two of the most common mental health problems, both of which can cause severe suffering and disability. The example of Helen, a 30-year-old Caucasian lady with a 5-year-old kid, will be investigated in this essay. Due to Helen’s display of several odd behaviors, a diagnostic assessment is required. Using DSM-5 and ICD-10 codes, the diagnosis will be established as either anxiety or bipolar disorder. Helen’s bipolar disorder diagnosis and treatment entail a detailed study of her symptoms and behaviors, as well as an examination of ethical issues, viable psychopharmacological therapy, and probable side effects.

Identifying Symptoms Consistent with Helen’s Clinical Diagnosis

It is essential to understand the symptoms that are consistent with Bipolar Disorder, Type I, in order to appropriately diagnose Helen. Helen reported having more energy, moodiness (dysphoria, exhilaration, and impatience), and a nonstop flow of thoughts. Increased energy is characterized by increased activity, restlessness, and a reduced desire for sleep (McNally et al., 2022). Moodiness is associated with Bipolar Disorder, Type I manic or hypomanic episodes, since the individual may experience emotions of exhilaration or euphoria, followed by feelings of irritation or dysphoria (Ali et al., 2023).

Another symptom that is consistent with Bipolar Disorder is Type I manic or hypomanic episodes, since persons having manic or hypomanic episodes may have an enhanced capacity to think and speak quickly, making it difficult to focus or complete activities (Tremain et al., 2019). Helen claimed to be afraid of her spouse, going on walks in her pajamas, and drinking alcohol. These symptoms are suggestive of her condition’s discomfort and impairment. These symptoms are reminiscent of the manic or hypomanic episodes that characterize Bipolar Disorder, Type I.

A Comprehensive Examination of Symptoms and Behaviors

A comprehensive investigation of Helen’s symptoms and behaviors is required to appropriately diagnose her with a mental health issue. The precise condition that best fits Helen’s presentation is identified using diagnostic criteria specified in the DSM-5 and ICD-10 codes. Feeling energized, moody, and having racing thoughts are symptoms compatible with the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder (Carmassi et al., 2020). Helen’s symptoms of mood swings, heightened activity, and racing thoughts match the criteria for Bipolar Disorder, Type I. F31.11 is the ICD-10 code for Bipolar Disorder, Type I, which corresponds to the DSM-5 diagnostic (Akinrogunde, 2019). The patient’s symptoms and behaviors indicate Bipolar Disorder, Type I (F31.11), and the diagnosis is supported by the DSM-5 and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria.

Ethical Considerations in Psychopharmacological Treatment Administration

Several ethical factors must be taken into account while treating Helen with psychopharmacological therapy. Helen must be fully informed of the possible dangers and advantages of the therapy before consenting to its administration. It is important to examine the treatment’s influence on Helen’s autonomy and well-being. Helen’s personal values and views must be considered while deciding whether to provide psychopharmacological treatment. The use of psychopharmacological therapy during pregnancy is a significant ethical issue and it must be ensured that nothing will hurt the growing fetus because Hellen is pregnant (Rantala et al., 2021). Furthermore, the possible influence of any psychopharmacological therapy on Helen’s relationships, especially her connection with her husband, must be considered. It is critical that any therapy plan is successful, respect Helen’s autonomy, and support her general well-being.

Helen’s Treating Therapist’s Ethical Considerations

As Helen’s treating therapist, there are various ethical factors to consider. These include respecting confidentiality, providing informed consent, and ensuring that the treatment plan matches Helen’s own values and beliefs. It is also vital to investigate any potential conflicts of interest, such as if the therapist has a personal relationship with Helen or her husband. The therapist must also assess their own competency and skill in treating Helen’s individual illness, and may refer her to another professional if necessary. It is also critical to identify the potential power dynamics at work in the therapist-patient interaction and take efforts to prevent any potential harm or exploitation.

The therapist must also be aware of any cultural or societal issues that may influence Helen’s therapy and include them in the treatment plan. Consider the potential influence of Helen’s alcohol usage on her therapy and work with her to resolve any substance abuse concerns. Furthermore, the therapist must be aware of any legal or regulatory difficulties that may develop during Helen’s therapy, such as reporting rules for pregnant women who use drugs, and taking proper action. Overall, the therapist must prioritize Helen’s well-being and autonomy throughout the treatment process.

Commonly Prescribed Psychopharmacological Treatments

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition characterized by manic and depressive episodes that are normally treated with a mix of medication and treatment. Lithium is one of the most often used drugs for the treatment of bipolar illness (Gomes-da-Costa et al., 2021). Lithium is a mood stabilizer that is thought to act by modulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. It can aid with depression as well as reduce the severity and frequency of manic episodes. Valproate, often known as Depakote, is another medicine widely administered for bipolar illness (Ljubic et al., 2021). This medicine is also a mood stabilizer and works by raising GABA levels, a neurotransmitter that aids with mood regulation. Valproate, like lithium, can help lessen manic and depressive symptoms but can also induce weight gain and liver issues (Kameg, 2020).

Antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine and quetiapine are also routinely used to treat bipolar disorder (Kadakia et al., 2021). These drugs assist to lessen manic episodes by inhibiting dopamine receptors in the brain. They can, however, induce negative effects such as weight gain and excessive blood sugar. It is vital to note that Helen’s treatment strategy will be determined by her exact symptoms and medical history. It is also critical to evaluate her development and make any required changes to her treatment plan. Given that Helen is pregnant, it would be prudent to use caution while dispensing psychopharmacological therapy. Lithium usage should be minimized since it might result in birth abnormalities (Raffi et al., 2019). Therefore, a preferable option would be to combine treatment with a modest dose of antipsychotics such as quetiapine (Köhler-Forsberg et al., 2022). When developing a treatment plan for her, informed consent as well as possible risks and benefits, should be carefully taken into account.

Adverse Effects of Psychopharmacological Treatments

It is crucial to remember that while psychopharmacological therapies can be successful in treating the symptoms of bipolar illness, they may also have unfavorable side effects. Among them include gastrointestinal issues, sleepiness, sleeplessness, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and others (Heinrich et al., 2019). In addition, several drugs used to treat bipolar illness may have negative long-term consequences on the patient’s physical and mental health, including a higher risk of heart disease and cognitive decline. In Helen’s instance, it’s crucial to take into account any potential negative effects of psychopharmacological therapies in light of her ongoing pregnancy. Pregnancy should be avoided when using some bipolar illness drugs since they may harm the developing fetus (Belzeaux et al., 2019).

Therefore, it is essential to coordinate any treatment plans with Helen’s primary care physician and OB/GYN to guarantee the safety of both Helen and her unborn child. In addition, when deciding on a treatment strategy, Helen’s individual symptoms and medical history must also be considered. For example, if Helen gains a substantial amount of weight as a result of medicine, this may have a detrimental effect on her general well-being and self-esteem. As a result, in order to make an educated decision that is in Helen’s best interests, it is critical to assess the possible advantages of therapy against the potential bad consequences. When choosing a course of therapy, it’s crucial to take Helen’s particular symptoms and medical background into account. As an illustration, Helen’s general well-being and self-esteem may suffer if she gains a lot of weight as a result of taking the medicine. In order to make an educated choice that is in Helen’s best interest, it is crucial to compare the potential advantages of therapy with its potential drawbacks.

Conclusion

The 30-year-old Caucasian lady, Helen, who has a 5-year-old daughter, exhibits a broad range of symptoms that are compatible with a bipolar illness diagnosis. A comprehensive analysis of Helen’s symptoms, psychological background, and present health issues reveals that a bipolar disorder diagnosis is the most suitable. The ethical issues surrounding the use of psychopharmacological therapy that must be taken into account include Helen’s autonomy and the treatment’s possible advantages and disadvantages. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants are among the psychopharmacological medications frequently recommended for bipolar illness; each has a unique set of possible side effects. It is necessary to balance these potential side effects with the treatment’s potential advantages in order to make the best decisions for Helen’s treatment plan. Ultimately, Helen’s well-being and safety should be the top priority in any treatment decisions.

References

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Carmassi, C., Bertelloni, C. A., Cordone, A., Cappelli, A., Massimetti, E., Dell’Oste, V., & Dell’Osso, L. (2020). Exploring mood symptoms overlap in PTSD diagnosis: ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria compared in a sample of subjects with Bipolar Disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 276, 205–211. Web.

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