Post University Neurodevelopmental Disorders Discussion Responses
DQ#1 Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Alexus M.
Dear Professor and Classmates,
The two disorders listed under the Neuodevelopmental disorders section of the DSM 5 that I chose to look into and research are Speech Sound Disorder and Stereotypic Movement Disorder. Stereotypic movement disorder is characterized by one having symptoms involving repetitive, seemingly driven and what appears to be purposeless motor behavior (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). All of this being part of Criteria A or the first portion of symptoms an individual must have in order to have this disorder. As for criteria B, an individual has the symptoms from criteria a and these symptoms interfer with their social life, academic abilities and other activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) Also, the interference from their symptoms causes them to self inflict injury. Criteria c involves the disorder havig an onset in the early developmental period (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The last bit of criteria for this disorder is that the repetitive motor behavior the individual is experiencing isn't due to the physiological effects of any other substance, neurological condition, or disorder. When a mental health professional is diagnosising someone with this disorder they need to make sure they specify whether or not their patient is self harming. If they are they need to take the appropriate preventative measures in order to make sure their client is safe. Another thing the mental health professional needs to specify is whether or not the disorder is associated with any known medical or gentic condition. They should also look into and specify whether it could be associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder or any other environmental factor. Lastly, the mental health professional needs to specify how severe the disorder is. The severiry ranges from mild to severe. Mild being the client can easily supress their symptoms and severe being they don't have much control over their symptoms and they need to be continuously monitoring their symptoms and making sure they are using protective measures to prevent any injuries.
Speech Sound Disoder is characterized by one having persistent difficulties in their speech production. These difficulties they're experiencing are developmentally inappropriate and often involve articulation, fluency and voice production complications or difficulties (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) .This disorder actually quite often coexists with language disorder, intellectual disability as well as neurological conditions. The diagnostic criteria for this disorder starts off with one having a persistent difficulty with their speech sound production. This difficulty often interfers with one's speech inteligibility and/or prevents verbal communication. The individual's difficulties causes them limitations in being able to have effective communication. This leads them to have difficulties with social situations, their academic abilities and achievements, their career/job. They either have difficulty in one of these areas or a combination. Another criteria is that the onset of the symptoms is. in the early developmental period of the individual. Lastly, the symptoms and difficulties the individual is experiencing is not due to congenital or any other acquired conitions. The symptoms and difficulties are also not due to any other medical or neurological conditions.
It is important to know and understand that genetics is not completely responsible for causing Autism. It is 50-50 nature and nurture as of what we know today. However, with this being said their are patterns of familial heritage that are closely associated to autism. One pattern is that autism runs in families with history of brain conditions (Zeliadt, 2019). The closer the family member with a condition is to the individual, the greater the chances are to develop autism. An example of this is if the individuals sybling has Adhd, then they are more likely at risk to develop autism. Also, there has been more studies and research that show those with a family history of conditions such as epilepsy are at risk as well. Also, those with a family member that is autisitic are more likely to develop it themselves. In general the family medical/health history is closely related to whether or not an individual is likely to develop autism.
As a future counselor, the writer would be able to effectively work with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. The writer has worked with kids with a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, autism, a variety of different learning and/or intellectual diabilities, etc. The writer also has a cousin with autism that she has seen grow up, struggle, mature, etc. Therefore, the writter feels as though she already has a decent amount of knowledge and experience and is therefore very comfortable working with these individuals. The only thing that would be new and a bit challenging at first would be diagnoising them. The writer has worked with individuals who have already been diagnoised and therefore she knew how to handle them appropriately from the beginning.
Reference:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Zeliadt, N. (2019, April 16). Autism runs in families with history of brain conditions. Spectrum | Autism Research News. https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/autism-runs-families-history-brain-conditions/
Darren E
Hello class and Professor
The two disorders that the writer want to discuss in detail under the Neurodevelopmental Disorders section of the DSM 5
are Intellectual Disability and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. With the Intellectual Disability the writer believes that
this a person can develop this type of disorder from the lack of comprehending and understanding information which prevents
them from gaining knowledge that can help to benefit them. According to APA, (2020) notes that Intellectual disability involves
impairments of general mental abilities that impact adaptive functioning in three domains/areas. This will determine how well
the person will deal with everyday life situations. 1. The conceptual domain includes skills in language, reading, writing, math,
reasoning, knowledge, and memory. 2. The social domain refers to empathy, social judgement, interpersonal communication skills,
the ability to make and retain friendships, and similar capacities. 3. The practical domain centers on self-management in areas such
as personal care, job responsibilities, money management, recreation, and organizing school and work tasks. Although the
intellectual disability does not have a specific age requirement, an individual's symptoms must begin during the developmental period
and are diagnosed based on the severity of deficits in adaptive abilities. The name intellectual disability replaced the name mental
retardation. (APA,2020). This disability affects someone's capability to learn and keep up with their peers.
The next disorder is the attention deficit/hyperactive disorder which enables a person to pay attention to detail, stay focus,
lack the ability to stay still, very active and full of energy. According to ADD resource center, (2013) states that ADHD shows a
consistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that intereferes with functioning or development: With the
inattention a person fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities,
also often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities, and more. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity often has a person fidgety
with or taps feet, or squirms in their seat, and often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected, also often runs
about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless). As a counselor
when working with someone who suffers from ADHD the most important skill will be to establish a loving and caring relationship
with the client so they will trust the writer and realize that I want to help them. According to APA, (2020) states that DSM 5
includes no exclusion criteria for people with autism spectrum disorder, since symptoms of both disorders co-occur. However, ADHD
symptoms must not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder and must not be better
explained by other disorders, such as; deppressive, anxiety, bipolar, disassociative, substance use disorder, etc. Usually when children
are diagnosed with having ADHD the disorder will follow them into adulthood (APA, 2020).
Reference:
A.D.D. Resource Center, (2013). The DSM-5 criteria for ADHD
www.addrc.org
American Psychiatric Association, (2020). Intellectual Disability - American Psychiatric Association
https://www.psychiatry.org
Home ? psychiatry.orgAPA is an organization of psychiatrists working together to ensure humane care and effective treatment for all persons with mental illness, including substance use disorders.
DQ#2 Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders
Darren E
Hello class and Professor
The biopsychosocial perspective towards trauma and stressors was developed to help clinicians to study how the
areas and parts of the body contributed to the traumatic event that has stayed embedded in their mind. This model have
the clinician to look at the different parts that make up a person mental health. The biological, psychological, and social-
environment, and the objective is to learn how each work together to cause the mental illness from the trauma or stressors.
According to Hasto, (2013) states that the biopsychosocial model seems to be the most adequate for the study of trauma
related disorders, while in therapy the specific shaping of psychotherapy appears to be severe. Good experiences in
relationships before the trauma increase resilience and the availability of supportive empathetic relationships may favourably
influence the development of the disorder and the therapy (Hasto, 2013). Not only does this model helps the clinician to
understand more clearer the cause and effect of the trauma, but it also helps the clinician to provide more accurate therapy
services.
The one trauma related disorder that the writer select is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This disorder is caused
by tradegy that happens in people lives, and usually unexpected which cause them to be reminded of the event whenever a
similar activity takes place, which disrupt their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. According to APA, (2013) states that PTSD
is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural
disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, or rape or somebody who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or serious
injury, and sit firmly in the cognitive of that person. People with PTSD have intense, interrupting thoughts and emotions related
to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has stopped. The individual may relivde the event/s through flashbacks
and nightmares; the individual may feel sadness, fear or anfer; and the individual may feel detached or estranged from other
people. People with PTSD may avoid events or people that remind them of the situation they have gone through in the beginning,
and they may have strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as a loud noise or an accidental touch from others (APA, 2013).
As a clinician working with a client that has gone through trauma, the writer would always get the consent from the client before
he does anything to help the client. This will help the client to relax while in the relationship and gain trust.
Reference:
American Pyschiatric Association, (2013). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
www.apa.org
Hasto, J., (2013). Biopsychosocial approach to psychological trauma and possible health consequences
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Alexus M
Dear Professor and Classmates,
The biopsychosocial approach is one that considers the biological factors, psychological factors as well as social/environmental factors as to why someone may be suffering with their health, illness and/or disorder. This approach also believes that each of these factors interact with one another. By them interacting with one another, it allows health care professionals to get a deeper and better understanding of each and every single one of their clients. In regards to how this perspective views trauma and other stressor related disorders, they view it as a bunch of pieces of a person life are affected in some sort of way that led them to where they are currently. In terms of an individuals cognitive abilities, if they have any preexisting conditions such depression and anxiety, this may predispose the individual to develope other stress related disorders. In terms of how the model views one's biology is based around the concept of the HPA axis. The axis is involved in the fear producing response. Many believe that when there is something wrong with this axis, it may lead to the development of trauma symptoms (Trauma- and Stressor- Related Disorders: The Biopsychosocial Perspective | Abnormal Psychology, 2020). Another part of the brain that is involved with all of this is the amygdala. This part of the brain elicits physiological responses to traumatic/stressful environmental situations (Trauma- and Stressor- Related Disorders: The Biopsychosocial Perspective | Abnormal Psychology, 2020). The amygdala sends these responses to the axis to help the individual and their body to have the fight or flight reaction. It is at this point that the acis releases two hormones to help the body prepare to appropriately respond to a dangerous situation. These two hormones are epinephrine and coritsol. Epinephrine causes physiological symptoms such as increased blood pressure and heart rate. Cortisol is known to be respobsible for helping the body return back to its normal state after the situation is over. As for the social aspect of this approach, this involves how what one experienced as a child may be one of the causes/reasons they ended up how they did. Also, what kind of family and friend relationships they currently have in their life, what situations/events they have been through, etc. In general each part of the model and an individual's life ties in to why the individual may be struggling with what they are.
Reactive Attachment Disorder can potentially start as early as infancy. There is very little research and data shown whether this disorder occurs in children older than five years of age. There is also not much research on symptoms of individuals beyond early childhood. However, what is known is the symptoms for children five years and younger. These signs and symptoms include having little to no interest in playing any sort of interactive games. Failing to reach out when being picked up, not asking for any sort of support or assistance, never smiling, being sad in their appearance, watching others closely but not socially interacting with them, not seeking comfort or showing any sort of response when comfort is given and/or unexplainably being withdrawed, being sad, irritable or fearful (Reactive Attachment Disorder - Symptoms and Causes, 2017). The main cause of this disorder is when a child doesn't feel safe, isn't able to trust others and doesn't live in a stable or caring environment. In general, the child's basic emotional and physical needs are not met enough or at all. Because of all of this the child is unable to have a secure relationship with their caregiver. There are a quite a few treatment options including giving the child a safe, consistent and stable living situation. The early a mental health care professional intervenes the better off the child will be in the long run. They will help the child develop and experience positive interactions with their caregivers as well as strengthening the relationship. Some treatment strategies are encouraging the child's development by having their caregiving practice being nurturing, responsive and caring (Reactive Attachment Disorder - Symptoms and Causes, 2017). Another strategy is talking about and having the caregiver be persistent with the care of their child. This way the child is gradually able to experience, understand and realize what a stable attachment is like/should be. Another strategy is to practice, inform and educate the caregivers on how to provide a positive, stimulating and interactive home for their kid. Lastly, to address the topic of medical, safety and housing needs needing to be appropriate with the caregivers.
One ethical consideration when working with a client who has experiences with a trauma or significant stressor is informed consent. The writer isn't sure how one would be able to recieve informed consent from a child five years old or younger. They would have to rely on the caregiver who might not have the child's best interest in mind.
References:
Reactive attachment disorder - Symptoms and causes. (2017, July 13). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/reactive-attachment-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352939
Trauma- and Stressor- Related Disorders: The Biopsychosocial Perspective | Abnormal Psychology. (2020). Lumen Learning. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/hvcc-abnormalpsychology/chapter/trauma-and-stressor-related-disorders-the-biopsychosocial-perspective/
DQ#3 Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
Darren E
Hello class and Professor
One of the disorders that the writer choose to discuss pertaining to an anxiety disorder in the DSM-5 is Social Anxiety
Disorder. When a person develops social anxiety disorder they have a fear of interacting with other people in society. Some
people can panic when riding a city bus because they don't like to be around a group or crowd of people. Some people do not
do well in school because they can not concentrate because of the other people in their class, so they will do better with online
classes. The writer believes that those who suffer from social anxiety disorder feel like they do not belong among others in
society. According to HHS, (2020) states that social anxiety disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming
anxiety and too much self thoughts in everday situations. Social anxiety can be limited to only one type of situation - such as
a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others - or in its most severe form, may be
so broad that a person experiences symptoms at any particular time they are around other people (HHS, 2020). This type of
anxiety can make it very hard to be successful and grow in life, because everyone can use the help of others from time to time
and people can get more of a variety of help from society than they can get at home.
The obssessive - compulsive disorder that the writer would like to dscuss is substance use disorder. This disorder is caused
from a person developing a behavior with drugs where they need and want the substance of their choice to the point in their
mind they want what they want and got to have it when they want it at all times, and this happens once a person reaches the stage
of addiction. At this point in their life they begin to destroy their life. They cannot and do not want to stop even though their life
is craching into a brick wall. Most people have to get help from a drug rehabilitation facility, and aftercare from outpatient rehab
or a 12 step program self help group. According to APA, (2013) states that is a condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a
substance despite harmful consequences. People who suffer from SUD have a terribly bad craving with using a substances such
as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to the point where the person's ability to function in everyday life becomes shaky. People
keep using the substance even when they know it is causing or will cause harm and they will continue in that manner anyway. The
most severe SUDs are called addictions (APA, 2013). When people get to the stage of addiction with illicit drugs the end result
can lead to jails, institutions, and death. Getting help is always the best result, and as a clinician the writer will refer the client to
inpatient rehab with a follow-up of outpatient and 12 step program.
Reference:
American Psychiatric Association, (2013). Help with addiction and substance use disorders
www.apa.org
Health & Human Services, (2020). What are the five types of anxiety disorders|HHS.gov
https://www.hhs.gov
Tanya P
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder: Body Dysmorphic Disorder
The most current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorizes body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) as an obsessive-compulsive related disorder (Kelly, 2020). Essentially, BDD is a mental illness, and people suffering from it are constantly worried about their appearance. Such people think about their perceived or real flaws for hours each day. They cannot control their negative thoughts, and they do not believe in people that assure them that they look fine. Having those thoughts constantly can lead to emotional distress and interfere with their daily functioning. As a result, such people might avoid social appearances or isolate themselves from friends and family.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the cause of BDD is unclear. However, certain environmental and biological factors may contribute to its development, including neurobiological factors like personality traits, serotonin malfunctioning in the brain, and life experiences.
Symptoms
The general symptoms of BDD include thinking about the perceived or real defect for hours every day. Another symptom is being worried about the failure to match the physical perfection of celebrities and models. Also, continuous asking for reassurance regarding their looks from their loved ones and not believing in their answer is a symptom of the disorder. Other symptoms exhibited by people with the disorder include constant over-exercising and dieting, excessive grooming, and constantly looking at their reflection.
Treatment
Effective treatments are available to assist BDD patients in having a fully productive life. The disorder can be treated using psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy approaches. In psychotherapy, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is employed to teach patients to identify irrational thoughts caused by the disorder and change their negative thinking patterns. Similarly, antidepressants such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help relieve compulsive and obsessive symptoms of BDD.
Counselor’s Ethical Considerations for Agoraphobia Client
The first ethical consideration for a counselor attending to a client with Agoraphobia is symptom exacerbation. According to Altis et al. (2014, p. 269), the likelihood of inducing harm through symptom exacerbation is arguably the major reason clinicians avoid exposure treatment. Essentially, the counselor should ensure that the application of CBT does not aggravate the symptoms of the disorder.
Also, the counselor needs to consider his or her level of training in exposure treatment. In other words, the counselor should have training in all components of CBT and its implementation in treating the population. Notably, lack of or partial training means that the counselor cannot effectively apply the exposure treatment, and the desired outcome on the patient will not be achieved.
Another ethical consideration is the beliefs of the counselor regarding the treatment. Notably, negative beliefs about the therapy can lead to poor implementation of the approach.