Psychopathology of mental health patients and provide treatment and health promotion

    Analyze and apply critical thinking skills in the psychopathology of mental health patients and provide treatment and health promotion while applying evidence-based research.Scenario: J.T. is a 20 year-old who reports to you that he feels depressed and is experiencing a significant amount of stress about school, noting that he’ll “probably flunk out.” He spends much of his day in his dorm room playing video games and has a hard time identifying what, if anything, is enjoyable in a typical day. He rarely attends class and has avoided reaching out to his professors to try to salvage his grades this semester. J.T. has always been a self-described shy person and has had a very small and cohesive group of friends from elementary through high school. Notably, his level of stress significantly amplified when he began college. You learn that when meeting new people, he has a hard time concentrating on the interaction because he is busy worrying about what they will think of him – he assumes they will find him “dumb,” “boring,” or a “loser.” When he loses his concentration, he stutters, is at a loss for words, and starts to sweat, which only serves to make him feel more uneasy. After the interaction, he replays the conversation over and over again, focusing on the “stupid” things he said. Similarly, he has a long-standing history of being uncomfortable with authority figures and has had a hard time raising his hand in class and approaching teachers. Since starting college, he has been isolating more, turning down invitations from his roommate to go eat or hang out, ignoring his cell phone when it rings, and habitually skipping class. His concerns about how others view him are what drive him to engage in these avoidance behaviors. Questions: Remember to answer these questions from your textbooks and NP guidelines. At all times, explain your answers. Generate a primary and differential diagnosis using the DSM-5 criteria. Develop a biopsychosocial plan of care for this client. Compare and contrast fear, worry, anxiety, and panic.

Sample Solution

     

The primary diagnosis for J.T. is social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia). This is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent fear of social situations in which the person is exposed to possible scrutiny by others. People with social anxiety disorder often worry about being judged, embarrassed, or rejected, and they may experience physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, or trembling in social situations.

The differential diagnosis for J.T. includes:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder: This is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about a variety of situations and events. People with generalized anxiety disorder often have difficulty controlling their worry, and it can interfere with their daily functioning.

Full Answer Section

     
  • Panic disorder: This is a mental health disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden and intense episodes of fear that can cause physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
  • Major depressive disorder: This is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. People with major depressive disorder may also have difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating.

Develop a biopsychosocial plan of care for this client.

The biopsychosocial model of mental health care takes into account the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to a person's mental health. A biopsychosocial plan of care for J.T. would address all of these factors.

The biological factors that could be contributing to J.T.'s social anxiety disorder include genetics, brain chemistry, and medical conditions. J.T.'s doctor may recommend a physical exam and blood tests to rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to his symptoms.

The psychological factors that could be contributing to J.T.'s social anxiety disorder include negative thoughts and beliefs about himself, low self-esteem, and avoidance behaviors. J.T. could benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy that helps people to identify and change their negative thoughts and beliefs.

The social factors that could be contributing to J.T.'s social anxiety disorder include his family history, his peer group, and his culture. J.T.'s therapist could help him to understand how his family history, peer group, and culture may be contributing to his anxiety.

A biopsychosocial plan of care for J.T. could include the following:

  • Medication: J.T.'s doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce his anxiety symptoms.
  • Therapy: J.T. could benefit from CBT to help him to identify and change his negative thoughts and beliefs about himself.
  • Support groups: J.T. could join a support group for people with social anxiety disorder. This would give him a chance to connect with others who understand what he is going through.
  • Lifestyle changes: J.T. could make lifestyle changes to reduce his anxiety, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.

Compare and contrast fear, worry, anxiety, and panic.

Fear, worry, anxiety, and panic are all emotions that can be associated with negative experiences. However, there are some key differences between these emotions.

  • Fear: Fear is a natural response to danger. It is a signal that something is wrong and that we need to take action to protect ourselves. Fear can be caused by real threats, such as a bear charging at us, or by perceived threats, such as a spider crawling on our arm.
  • Worry: Worry is a more general form of anxiety. It is a concern about future events that may or may not happen. Worry can be about anything, from our health to our finances to our relationships.
  • Anxiety: Anxiety is a state of nervousness, unease, or worry. It is a more intense emotion than worry and can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and a racing heart.
  • Panic: Panic is a sudden and intense episode of fear. It can be so severe that it feels like we are going to die. Panic attacks are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Fear, worry, anxiety, and panic can all be debilitating emotions. However, they are treatable. If you are struggling with any of these emotions, please reach out for help. There are many effective treatments available.

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