Week 5 Assignment 1: Course Project Part II—Practice
You have researched the theoretical writings related to your selected mental disorder in the second part
of the course project. In the third part, you have examined the practice related to the disorder.
You have conducted field research on practice related to the disorder, an interview with a mental health
professional. Based on all of the information you have gathered, develop a paper that includes the
following:
Describe the extent and nature of the disorder, such as number of people diagnosed and under
treatment, demographics, and other factors of interest.
Explain how the selected disorder is diagnosed.
Explain how the selected disorder is treated. Be sure to include all the views on appropriate
treatment and comment on diversity of views or dissent.
Differentiate the diagnosis of this disorder from those of the other disorders within the same
diagnostic category.
Comment on culturally bound syndromes, cultural biases, or the interplay between assessment
and diagnosis and culture.
Provide data from the professional interview completed relevantly and substantively integrating
this information into the body of the paper. Provide the name of the interviewed professional with
his/her credentials. Written transcripts of the interview should be recorded and submitted with the
assignment (e.g. in paper as an appendices).
Write a 4–5-page paper in Word format. Make sure to review the rubric so as to address all necessary
criteria. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention:
LastnameFirstInitial_M5_A1.doc.
Assignment Criteria
Describe the extent and nature of the disorder, such as number of
people diagnosed and under treatment, demographics, and other
factors of interest.
Explain how the selected disorder is diagnosed.
Explain how the selected disorder is treated. Be sure to include all the
views on appropriate treatment and comment on diversity of views or
dissent.
Differentiate the diagnosis of this disorder from those of the other
disorders within the same diagnostic category.
Comment on culturally bound syndromes, cultural biases, or the
interplay between assessment and diagnosis and culture.
Professional interview completed and interview data relevantly and
substantively integrated into the body of the paper. Name of the
interviewed professional with his/her credentials are included.
Transcripts of the interview were also submitted (e.g. in paper as an
appendices).
Organization (16 points): Introduction, Thesis, Transitions,
Conclusion
Usage and Mechanics (15 points): Grammar, Spelling, Sentence
Structure
Max
Points
40
35
60
40
35
30
60
APA Elements (22 points): Attribution, Paraphrasing, Quotations
Style (7 points): Audience, Word Choice
Total:
300
Information about the Individual
Name: Robert Wiseman
Job Title: Licensed Counseling Psychologist.
Level of Education: Doctoral degree in psychology.
Description of Job activities: Help people cope with mental issues, emotional problems and
challenging situations. Counseling psychologists also offer guidance and encourage their clients
in making their own decisions. Some of the issues that are addressed under the profession can
range from substance abuse to issues of domestic violence or post-traumatic stress and even
eating disorders.
Type of License: Certified Rehabilitation Veterans Counselor
State of Residence/Practice: California/V.A. San Diego Healthcare
E-mail address/Phone number: Unknown/ (858) 552-8585
Background Research on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Description
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the neuropsychological conditions that
affects the body after a traumatic event. Some of the traumatic events that lead to the
development of the condition include rape, natural environmental catastrophes, mugging, and
attacks among other scaring events. Different people react differently to the traumatic events
resulting in different symptoms. As such there are different subtypes of the traumatizing events
that may affect an individual (Kline, 2015). Also, it is difficult to assess the determining factors
that lead to the development of the condition is difficult. The mind, therefore, groups the
memories and the traumatic events making them evident in the most unexpected times such that
the victim end up being psychologically distressed. The consequences are that the event
becomes rooted in the individual's mind such hat they live in past rather than the present (Kline,
2015).
The major symptoms of the conditions are manifested through sleeping difficulties,
constant alertness, jumpiness, and nightmares. The patient also develops a difficulty in trusting
other individuals and at the same time experience withdrawal syndrome about the events of the
occasions related to the occurrences of the events. About the physical symptoms, the patient
may experience chest pains, gastrointestinal distress, dizziness, immune system problems as well
as headaches. Researchers and clinicians have had difficulties in understanding the condition.
However, research indicates nonwhite and females and young children are more have the
likelihood of developing the condition.
Conversely, further research indicates that not all the individuals who are predisposed to
traumatic events develop the condition. This is because the coping mechanism in different
people is different. Research based the symptoms, treatment and prevention, has been conducted
(Kline, 2015). Nonetheless, research has indicated that PSTD does not affect everyone who
encounters traumatic events because the mechanism for handling trauma are different for every
individual. More so, various research has been conducted to evaluate the indications, etiology,
prevention, and treatment. Considering this disorder was categorized in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) past 20 years, these findings are quite recent.
Causative Elements of the Illness
Genetic composition of a person has great contribution in the reaction that takes place in
the process of traumatic event occurrence. Also, in this occurrence can result in the recurrence
of the disorder. In this case, the individual stars to remember the traumatizing incidence
therefore becoming emotionally unresponsive close relatives. According to Kline, 2015 the
recurrence of this disorder is accompanied by a sequence of arousals. It is, therefore, important
to keep the surroundings of patients with PSTD innocuous and comfortable.
This Manifestation is associated with the expression of certain genetic factor inside the
body which discharges protein components that cause the terror memories. Previous distress
alters the usual physiological activities in the mind specifically the section called amygdala in the
brain resulting in overworking of the part due to the fear response that leads to a traumatic event.
Also, unsuccessful marriages, as well as other implications such as low wages, can result in such
kind of stress. Lacey and other writers indicate that spouse violence, somatic and psychological
disorders observed in different cultural groups is all because of PSTD. As such, societal and
demographic stress prominent issues highly contribute to the development of this disorder
altering the welfare of females especially mothers. Apart from PSTD, other forms of stress
emanate from these abusive acts against women.
Diagnoses
Signs and symptoms of PSTD act as a great manifestation of this disorder. Although other
tests and observations are necessary to confirm, diagnosis therapists can make use of this
symptoms as their bases. As put forward by the American Psychiatric Association, The
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of all Mental Disorders comprises of a six criteria for
complete and effective diagnosis of the patient. As such, a recent study indicates that the criteria
are outlined as A, B, C, D, E, and F.
The first criteria A involves the determination of stressors by evaluating the location of the
patient during the occurrence of the event. This is aimed at assessing the experience of the
patient in the traumatic occurrence. By so doing, the reactions of the individual are portrayed
and are commonly associated with unremitting news, shock, and composite fear. For younger
patients (children) criterion is manifested in the form of uncoordinated behavior during their dayto-day activities (Legerski & Bunnell, 2010).
Criterion B involves the invasive reminiscence where the occurrences of the horrific
event keep replaying in the patient's mind. This recurrence results in distressing reactions by the
victim. According to recent research, there are five methods that can be used to establish PSTD
diagnoses. The first method is by use of imageries, insights, and opinions to bring about the
hostile and persistent memories of the occurrences in grownups. Since children are more
vulnerable, play thematic connections related to the incident are applied. The second method
involves the recurrence of the incidences in the form of dreams. Children experience nightmares
whose contents are unfamiliar to them. Method 3 requires a therapist to perform an activity with
the patients to arouse feelings of something traumatic happening or the memories of the
incidence. This activity can be illusions, flashes or actual minor sections of the occurrence.
Method 4 includes a display of reminders with an aim of triggering influential mental suffering.
This method is connected to the final method in which, the psychological distress is depicted
through an introduction to the fourth methodology (Legerski & Bunnell, 2010).
Criteria C is an assessment of continuous abstaining connected with shock and other
foundations that are perceived. Portrayed disinterest in topics concerning the incident or
avoidance of activities or people who might trigger memories of the event is a great tool in the
diagnoses. Apart from that, some victims have a failed memory of some sections of the
occurrence and express increased distress in certain activities. Also, the criterion displays
reduced affection, and the future becomes a nightmare to them (Yehuda, 2012). However,
criterion D displays the replayed arousal that is brought about by the trauma. This arousal exists
in different forms such as sleepless nights, increased mood swings, heightened tension as well as
terrified reactions. Unawareness is also a source of information concerning PSTD in a victim
and therefore if method B, C, and D display the expected symptoms for more than one month,
then E is applied. This criterion is aimed at displaying the length of time of the illness as
dictated by the symptoms.
Finally, criterion F brings out the practical importance of the symptoms as well as their
impact on the social operative of the patient. It has been noted that the symptoms alter the
normal functional functioning of the individual resulting in disorganization in their usual pattern
of life. For this principle, the sickness is termed as severe and chronic PSTD (Yehuda, 2012). A
severe condition is declared when the symptoms have persisted for three months while a chronic
condition is declared if the symptom duration is more than three months. To avoid misdiagnosis,
all the six criteria must be followed to the last word. As such, the duration in which the
symptoms have been present must be carefully assessed (Yehuda, 2012).
Treatment
The first and well-known way of treating PSTD are by use of pharmacological therapies
including administration of medication such as antidepressants. These drugs are commonly used
in PSTD treatment because they have the ability to minimize the impacts of the symptoms. In
contrast, non- pharmacological procedures comprise of mental interrogation, cognitive behavior
psychoanalysis, and the Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) that came into
existence in the year 19190 (Yehuda, 2012). Mental interrogation is the main treatment
methodology that comprises therapeutic meetings, which are beneficial to the patient.
The patient is enabled to cope well with the anguish events of the through the
management of the emotive build up. The other treatment methodology is a re-exposing
technique that makes the individual recall the horrific events. This should be done in safe
surroundings to enable the patient to be calm and relaxed for them to express their ordeal
comfortably (Yehuda, 2012). The cognitive behavior psychoanalysis induces relaxation through
profound breathing and meditation. These techniques can be applied in therapy to help the
patient handle the trauma (Shalev et al., 2014).
Survey of Present Study on the Disorder
Proposals have been made for more research to be conducted concerning the genetic
materials that are tested in the diagnosis process. These genes include serotoninergic,
apolipoprotein systems (APOE2), dopaminergic (DRD2, DAT, and DBH), glucocorticoid,
GABAergic (GABRB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, Myo6, Monamine B, CNR1, CRF-1
and CRF-2 receptors, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) (Shalev et al., 2014). This research will
enhance the development of treatment and medications to manage the expression of these genes
(Yehuda, 2012). Henceforth this will establish a sense of security and minimize the incidence
and magnitude of PSTD. The study should also emphasize in environmental connections that
lead to undesirable reactions associated with stress in an attempt to develop effective handling of
individuals with the disorder. Research in these areas would greatly minimize and eliminate
susceptibility of PSTD (Yehuda, 2012).
References
Kline, S. (2015). Moral panic, reflexive embodiment and teen obesity in the USA: a case study
of the impact of ‘weight bias’. Young Consumers, 16(4), 407-419.
Legerski, J. P., & Bunnell, S. L. (2010). The risks, benefits, and ethics of trauma-focused
research participation. Ethics & Behavior, 20(6), 429-442.
Shalev, A. Y., Freedman, S., Peri, T., Brandes, D., Sahar, T., Orr, S. P., & Pitman, R. K. (2014).
A prospective study of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression following trauma.
American Journal of Psychiatry.
Yehuda, R. (2012). Post-traumatic stress disorder. New England Journal of Medicine, 346(2),
108-114.
Running head: MENTAL DISORDERS
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Mental Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that occurs in individuals
who have experienced a dreadful or threatening event. When a person is confronted with a
shocking or traumatic situation, the body’s natural response is to either defend itself against the
danger or avoid it. A person is expected to recover from this initial reaction of “fight-or-flight”
naturally within a few days. However, some people may not overcome the traumatic experience
and may continue to experience it for a long time. This category of people may be diagnosed
with PTSD (Bisson et al., 2013). Symptoms of PTSD, which usually commences within three
months to a year after the traumatic experience, are categorized into re-experiencing symptoms,
avoidance symptoms, arousal and reactivity symptoms, and cognition and mood symptoms.
Flashbacks, bad dreams, and scary thoughts are considered re-experiencing symptoms
while avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event and staying away from people
and places that are related to the traumatic experience are avoidance symptoms. Symptoms such
as being easily startled, having angry outbursts, sleeping difficulty and tense feeling are
classified as arousal and reactivity symptoms while difficulty remembering important details of
the traumatic event, negative thoughts, guilt and blame, and loss of interest in recreational
activities are considered cognition and mood symptoms. Hull & Curran (2016) noted that for a
patient to be diagnosed as having PTSD, he or she must have at least one each of re-experiencing
and avoidance symptoms, as well as two each of arousal and reactivity and cognition and mood
symptoms. Medications and psychotherapy are the two treatment options for PTSD.
Interview Questions
MENTAL DISORDERS
1. Kindly tell us about yourself, academic and professional training and year of practice in
clinical psychiatry.
2. What is the clinical definition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
3. What are the symptoms of PTSD and how can a physician differentiate these symptoms
from other mental disorders such Acute Stress Disorders (ASD)?
4. Are the symptoms explained above the same for all gender, sex and age groups? If no,
what are the gender-specific and age-specific symptoms?
5. Kindly explain the risk factors and resilience factors that are associated with this mental
disorder.
6. What are the available treatment interventions for the management of PTSD and how can
the outcomes of these treatment approaches be enhanced to give the optimal care?
7. How important is the role of surrounding social support systems such as family, friends,
relatives and the community in providing post-treatment care?
8. What are the barriers to a successful treatment outcome of PTSD? Kindly explain these
barriers in the context of internal and external barriers.
9. What are the ongoing researchers into the treatment and care of patients diagnosed with
PTSD?
10. Kindly explain some of the ethical challenges that you encountered in the treatment of
patients diagnosed with PTSD.
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MENTAL DISORDERS
References
Bisson, J. I., Roberts, N. P., Andrew, M., Cooper, R., & Lewis, C. (2013). Psychological
Therapies for Chronic Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) In Adults. The Cochrane
Library.
Hull, A. M., & Curran, S. A. (2016). Be Vigilant for Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions. The
Practitioner, 260(1793), 19.
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