Description
Background
For our Signature Assignment we will create a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan for the case of Buster. This is a complex case involving multiple issues including serious limitations from Buster’s physical health needs. Since this is your Signature Assignment, you should be able to provide a multifaceted approach to a difficult and high need client.
Instructions
For this assignment:
Complete a differential diagnosis, this can include rule out diagnosis and other psychosocial needs.
Discuss at least three different treatment approaches that may be appropriate in working with Buster.
How will you incorporate a recovery oriented approach in your treatment of Buster?
Discuss how you will screen for any safety concerns.
Discuss if you think medications should be part of an effective plan for Buster. What class of medications? How would you address medication management with Buster?
What psychosocial needs to do you believe need to be addressed to facilitate Buster’s recovery?
Reflect on what you see as the prognosis for Buster and his potential for recovery. Discuss in detail.
Support your assignment with at least five scholarly resources. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including seminal articles, may be included.

Explanation & Answer

Attached.
1
Multifaceted Approach to Buster's Mental and Physical Health
Students Name
Institution Affiliation
Course Number/Date
Lecturer’s Name
Due Date
2
Multifaceted Approach to Buster's Mental and Physical Health
•
Buster's case presents a complex intersection of physical health issues, psychiatric
symptoms, and psychosocial challenges.
•
He is a 51-year-old male with a significant medical history, including hypertension,
diabetes, and end-stage renal disease requiring thrice-weekly dialysis.
•
Psychiatrically, he has a history of multiple hospitalizations, suicidal ideation, and
chronic pain.
•
Despite interventions, Buster's conditions have not significantly improved, and he
continues to struggle with managing his health effectively.
Differential Diagnosis and Psychosocial Needs:
•
Buster's case presents a multifaceted challenge requiring a nuanced differential diagnosis
to adequately address his complex medical, psychiatric, and psychosocial needs.
•
The primary diagnosis to consider is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), given his
persistent suicidal ideation, depressed mood, and anhedonia.
•
Another critical consideration is Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, explaining
his distress as a reaction to chronic and severe limitations imposed by his physical health
conditions.
•
Additionally, a thorough evaluation is necessary to rule out Substance Use Disorder
(SUD), given his history of suspected drug-seeking behavior.
Treatment Approaches:
•
The Integrated Care Model involves a coordinated effort among healthcare providers
from various disciplines to ensure holistic and cohesive treatment plans.
3
•
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help Buster identify and challenge negative
thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
•
Pain Management Interventions should incorporate both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments to address Buster's chronic pain effectively.
Incorporating a Recovery-Oriented Approach:
•
Fostering hope and optimism, empowering Buster, promoting social inclusion, and
supporting self-management are essential elements of a recovery-oriented approach.
•
By providing him with knowledge, skills, and resources, Buster can take control of his
health and make informed decisions about his treatment.
Safety Concerns Screening:
•
Regular assessment of suicidal ideation, identification of potential risk factors,
monitoring for signs of escalation, and ensuring immediate access to crisis intervention
services are crucial.
•
Structured tools like the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and thorough
clinical interviews are essential for assessing suicidal risk comprehensively.
Medication Management:
•
Collaboration with a clinical pharmacist is essential to optimize Buster's medication
regimen and ensure each medication's necessity and effectiveness.
•
Antidepressants and careful pain management strategies are crucial for addressing his
psychiatric symptoms and chronic pain effectively.
Psychosocial Needs for Recovery:
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•
Enhancing Buster’s social support system, ensuring a safe living environment, addressing
economic stability, and providing education and self-management skills are vital for his
recovery.
Prognosis and Potential for Recovery:
•
Buster's prognosis depends heavily on his engagement with treatment and the support
provided by his healthcare team.
•
With sustained effort and support, there is potential for meaningful progress in his overall
condition, despite the complex challenges he faces.
5
Reference
Abraham, S.P. (2018). Living with a dual diagnosis of post-traumatic stress and substance use
disorders. Human, 2018; Vol. 9 (4): 31-40.
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(5th ed.) (DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Association.
Ball, E. (2020, October 26). Changing the stigma of mental health & addiction [Video]. Tedx
Talks.
Breznoscakova, D., Kovanicova, M., Sedlakova, E., & Pallayova, M. (2023). Autogenic Training
in Mental Disorders: What Can We Expect?. International Journal of Environmental
Research and Public Health, 20(5), 4344.
Corrao, G., Barbato, A., D’Avanzo, B., Di Fiandra, T., Ferrara, L., Gaddini, A., ... & Lora, A.
(2022). Does the mental health system provide effective coverage to people with
schizophrenic disorder? A self-controlled case series study in Italy. Social psychiatry and
psychiatric epidemiology, 57(3), 519-529.
Partnership to end addiction. (2022, April 12). Dual diagnosis: The connection between mental
health and substance use [Video]. YouTube.
1
Multifaceted Approach to Buster's Mental and Physical Health
Students Name
Institution Affiliation
Course Number/Date
Lecturer’s Name
Due Date
2
Multifaceted Approach to Buster's Mental and Physical Health
Buster's case presents a complex intersection of physical health issues, psychiatric
symptoms, and psychosocial challenges. He is a 51-year-old male with a significant medical
history, including hypertension, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease requiring thrice-weekly
dialysis. Psychiatrically, he has a history of multiple hospitalizat...
