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Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
by
Isabella Flego-Peter
for
Scott Harris
18 December 2012
PSYCHIATRIC CONSUMER ASSIGNMENT 2
Contents
Part Two: Clinical Report...........................................................................................................3
Case History...............................................................................................................................3
Assessment of Dylan..................................................................................................................4
Treatment...................................................................................................................................7
Management Plan.......................................................................................................................7
References..................................................................................................................................9
PSYCHIATRIC CONSUMER ASSIGNMENT 3
health issue and is often linked with substantial suffering and functional impairment.
increasing the probability of relapses and chronicity in later life. Indeed, depression
significantly lowers the quality of life for young people, escalates the risk of suicide, and
often exacerbates the outcomes of other physical or mental health problems. Clinical
presentations for numerous medical and psychiatric conditions, as well as individual reactions
pharmacological in nature are necessary alongside early detection and intervention. This
report presents a case review of Dylan Cholly, a teenager presenting with depression. The
current report offers an overview of Dylans symptoms, assessment, and clinical decision-
making strategies as well as offering suggestions for managing depression in the patient.
Case History
Dylan Cholly, aged 19 years, is referred to the General Practice Office by his G.P.
Dr John Alexander. His medical history reports good health and he has had no notable
illnesses since his childhood. Dylan, however, has been overweight from the age of three and
within the past six months, his GP notes significant weight loss (30kgs). Further, the medical
report shows that in the past, Dylan was referred to a private psychologist due to nightmares
occasioned by his witnessing his best friend being bullied. Conversely, Dylan is described as
PSYCHIATRIC CONSUMER ASSIGNMENT 4
a bright student and has excellent academic performance. Dylan is dressed in oversized
clothes that are totally black and is malodorous at the initial appointment. When directly
questioned, Dylan states that he feels fine and he doesnt understand why everyone is
stressing. Further, he denies any suicidal ideas although he says sometimes I wish I would
just go to sleep and not wake up. Dylans mother mentions that he spends most of his time in
his room, on his computer and has no real friends. In addition, Dylan has blacked out his
room and his mother reports that he has difficulty sleeping. When questioned about this
Dylan states he does not need anything since he can get all he wants from the Internet and
that he has friends who live far away. When asked about the future, Dylan says he really
does not want to do anything and he says ... I just dont care ... I feel really lost. Dylans
mother is worried especially since the family has a strong history of depression.
To add to this history, with regard to Dylans recent behaviour, there is need to
interview him on any major changes in his life, his general feelings about his family, and the
society in which he lives. Further, it would be necessary to revisit the bullying incident to
establish how he felt, and his ongoing thoughts regarding the incident. Additionally, it would
establish how the incident was handled at school, the psychological interventions offered by
the private psychologist and overall family environment. Other questions may also be needed
to establish any substance abuse, any other recent negative events, the reasons as to why
Dylan sought to go back to his old school, whether or not he is in a relationship and his
Assessment of Dylan
adolescent must present with five out of the nine identified characteristic symptoms most of
PSYCHIATRIC CONSUMER ASSIGNMENT 5
the time, for a minimum of two weeks for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Amongst
these, at least one of these symptoms should be either depressed or irritable mood or a
pervasive loss of pleasure or interest in activities that were once liked (Shiregps, 2005). In the
case of Dylan, physical examination shows a dull, uninterested teenager, who displays lack of
enthusiasm and motivation towards life in general. Other symptoms include anhedonia;
thoughts of death or suicide; decrease in appetite (resulting in weight loss); disrupted sleep
rhythms; and avoidance of family interactions and activities. Indeed, his general appearance
shows impairment in carrying out activities of daily living such as personal hygiene that may
Essentially, Dylan portrays three major challenges. First, Dylan portrays severe social
isolation and maladaptive social behaviour, evidenced by his keeping to his room and
inability to make real life friends. Particularly, Dylan has been unable to participate in
organised sport and is unable to have any social interactions, outside his school life. Even
though this behaviour has been characteristic of Dylan, it has greatly amplified over the past
six months and has been accompanied by sever weight loss. Second, Dylan exhibits chronic
This is particularly evidenced by his relying on the Internet as a social support group and his
lack of motivation towards establishing friendships. Moreover, his mode of dressing reflects a
desperate need to become invisible in the social sense. Last, Dylan exhibits feelings of
The vulnerability-stress model provides a sound basis for understanding depression and
its trigger factors. In reference to this model, adolescent depression arises from susceptibility
Peterson, & Sheldon, 2009). The precise nature of the disposition to depression may consist
PSYCHIATRIC CONSUMER ASSIGNMENT 6
of biologic and cognitive factors. This interaction between the stresses of life and cognitive
Marttunen, Kaprio, Huurre & Aro, 2008). Accordingly, some of the identified risk factors for
depression include family history, loneliness and lack of social support, recent stressful life
experiences, and underlying medical conditions (Sheffield, Spence, Rapee, et. al 2006).
In the case of Dylan, depression associated symptoms may be associated with the
incident where he witnessed his friend being bullied. The incident aggravated his genetic
the abnormal, behaviour started presenting about six months ago, when he asked to transfer
back to his old school. Indeed, this may have been occasioned by his inability to cope at the
new school; however, upon returning to his new school, Dylan found himself, revisiting the
bullying incident which augmented the stress levels. Moreover, Dylans upbringing also
contributes to this behaviour in that from an early age his mother did not encourage him to
participate in organised sport for fear that he would get hurt. As a result, his social skills were
From the case and interview, the identifiable risk factors in Dylans case may include
his evident lack of social skills, possible negative self-image arising from his being
overweight (evident in oversize clothing and completely black attire), dysfunctional home
environment and his obvious lack of control in negative situations. Additionally, other
suspected risk factors may be alcohol or substance abuse or other medical issues related to
both the home and school environment in which Dylan lives to ascertain possible
interventions. Indeed, some of the management interventions in this case may be eradication
of the trigger factors and provision of a safe and secure environment by engaging
collaborative monitoring from the significant members of Dylans life. In the case of
PSYCHIATRIC CONSUMER ASSIGNMENT 7
Treatment
Research shows that a supportive and collaborative relationship amongst the health
professional and both the young patient and the parents, is effective in providing a stable,
accommodating and supportive setting in which treatment can occur. Accordingly, this is the
relationship. The therapeutic relationship is essential in this case since as already established,
Dylan is unaware of his problems, in conflict with his parents, and is resistant to change.
Some of the enhancing factors for this approach to work include stressing the confidential
The other approach relevant for Dylans case is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that is
based on the theory that an individuals thoughts about an event and their reaction, is
influential in how they feel about the event. Indeed, in depression CBT has been found to be
effective in changing the way an individual feels (Shirk, Gudmundsen, Kaplinski, &
McMakin,2008). This approach is necessary in Dylans case since it will enable him to open
up about the issues that are affecting him. Particularly, this approach is necessary as an
intervention towards the likely suicidal tendencies that Dylan is presenting. In addition, to the
suppress the depression symptoms. These include antidepressants which are essential to
Management Plan
The main objective for the management plan for Dylan is intended to identify and
alleviate the trigger factors and manage their outcomes. Accordingly, the first phase of the
management plan, should involve fact finding through the psychosocial treatment
PSYCHIATRIC CONSUMER ASSIGNMENT 8
relationship with Dylan to get him to open up about his problems as well as define the range
of the disorder. At this initial stage, it is also important to establish the necessary relationship
with Dylan and his support group, which is effective in upholding the treatment plans
suggested for Dylan (Patel & Jakopac, 2011). This phase should take one to six weeks. The
treatment, mainly anti-depressants, to further alleviate Dylans symptoms and enhance the
outcomes of the psychosocial treatments. The third phase of the management plan involves
References
Cook, M., Peterson, J., & Sheldon, C. (2009). Adolescent depression. Psychiatry (Edgmont),
6(9), 1731.
Fortinash, K., & Worret , P. (2006). Psychiatric nursing care plans (5th ed.). New York, NY:
Mosby.
Patel, S., & Jakopac, K. (2011). Manual of psychiatric nursing skills. Sudbury, MA : Jones &
Bartlett Publishers.
Pelkonen, M., Marttunen, M., Kaprio, J., Huurre T., & Aro H. (2008). Adolescent risk factors
Robinson, E., Power, L., & Allan, D. (2010). What works with adolescents? Family
Clearinghouse No.16.
Sheffield, J., Spence, S., Rapee, R., Kowalenko N, Wignall A, Davis A, & McLoone J.
Shirk, S., Gudmundsen, G., Kaplinski, H., & McMakin, D. L(2008). Alliance and outcome in
37(3), 63139.
Smith, M., Saisan, J., & Segal, J. (2012, Nov). Understanding depression. Retrieved
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm
PSYCHIATRIC CONSUMER ASSIGNMENT
11
By
Isabella Flego-Peter
CQUniversity Australia
for
Scott Harris
Challenges in Assessment
noted
Number 1: No eye contact throughout the interview
Number 2: Social isolation
Number 3: Feelings of hopelessness
Number 4: Suicidal ideation
Number 5: Negative self-image
Number 6: Self-neglect
Medications
Not Stated
Unknown
Perception: Sleep
Dylan denies perceptual disturbance Does not sleep well according to mother
Passivity
Cognition Appetite
Diminished abstract thinking Not known though medical records show
Thought blocking evident significant weight loss of approximately 30
Passivity kg in the past six months
Negative body image
Attention/Concentration Motivation/Energy/Interest/Pleasure
Reduced concentration Dylan has limited social contact due to
Uninterested, shows no emotion or reaction long hours on the internet
when mother recounts his history Dylan appears to have no motivation or
No eye contact energy towards life
memory
Insight Anxiety Symptoms
Diminished Evident
Does not understand why people are worried
about him
Orientation Speech
Orientated to time, place and person Polite and soft spoken
Intense short and to the point
Risk Assessment
Suicidal Ideation Denies active Suicidal Intent With the presence of
suicidal ideation or suicidal ideation, it is
intent however, likely that Dylan may
states wishing that develop suicidal
he would go to sleep intentions if this is not
and never wake up. addressed.
Further, Dylan says
he feel lost about
future life and feels
he does not want to
do anything
Risk to Others Unknown
Key Family/Support Mother is concerned about Dylans health and accompanied him for this
Contact visit
Number 2:
Social isolation Identify Psychological counselling , CBT;
Dylans Engagement of family and friends;
positive pharmacological treatment (antidepressants)
beliefs and
characteristics
Assist Dylan
to identify
self-limiting
behaviours
and mental
health
promotion
behaviors
(Jakopac &
Patel, 2009)
Number 3:
Hopelessness feelings Assist Dylan Interpersonal therapy, Psychotherapy, CBT,
in Spend time with the patient and listen.
determining Provide positive support for the patient's self-
socially esteem (Schultz & Videbeck, 2009)
adaptive
behaviors.
Assist Dylan
in identifying
life interests
and people
who have
meaning to
him. Provide
positive
support for
the patient's
self-esteem
(Fortinash &
Holoday-
Worret, 2008)
Number 4:
Suicidal Ideation Encourage
recognition and Family engagement for close patient
verbaliszation of supervision, CBT, psychological counseling,
nege.g., ative feelings Spend time with the patient and listen.
within appropriate Provide positive support for the patient's self-
limits (Lloyd, 2012). esteem
Number 5:
Nege.g.,ative self-image Help Dylan Analytic psychotherapy, CBT, Family
identify the engagement , psychodynamic therapy
PSYCHIATRIC CONSUMER ASSIGNMENT
16
Afterhours:
Contact his G.P
Review Date:
(Add a Recall in MD for 1-6 15th January, 2013
months after the Plan date)
References
Fortinash, K., & Holoday-Worret, P. (2008). Psychiatric mental health nursing ( 4th ed.).
Jakopac , K., & Patel, S. (2009). Psychiatric mental health case studies and care plans.
Lloyd, M. (2012). Practical care planning for personalised mental health care. New York,
Patel, S., & Jakopac, K. (2011). Manual of psychiatric nursing skills. Sudbury, MA : Jones &
Bartlett Publishers.
Schultz, J., & Videbeck, S. (2009). Lippincott's manual of psychiatric nursing care plans.