Week 4 Discussion 1,2 - After reviewing the video information

Week 4 Discussion

Week4DISJan

Discussion 1

After reviewing the video information, there are several different ethical standards that was presented. For instance, the psychologist used 4.01 maintaining confidentiality, 4.04 minimizing intrusions on privacy, and 4.05 disclosures. According to the American Psychological Association (2010), in section 4.01 maintaining confidentiality, is when the psychologist has primarily focused on maintaining the patient’s information that includes but not limited to, their name, their mental health disorders, their other personal health information, any of their demographics, and their information within their private sessions. Another is 4.04 which is minimizing intrusion on privacy, which means the psychologist has to include the consultation, in an oral and or written report. This induces the confidential information that is obtained by professional work in order to understand the matters presented. Another one that is considered is 4.05 which is disclosure. This is the form when a psychologist has prior authorization to disclose information in order to professionally help and assist the patient.

Brewer and Simpelo (2014), explain that the patient had experienced a loss of a loved one, and dealt with another who, according to the patient was short-tempered, and verbally aggression towards insignificant situations. This is relevant to the patient having possible anxiety. For instance, having a mother that had a consistently short temper can cause the patient to feel like they are walking on eggshells, which is a sense of anxiety. Another relevant factor is the father's passing, clearly stating that the patient had feelings about not seeing their loved one for some time, and wanting to see them now that they are gone can cause anxiety about possible abandonment. 

Based on cognitive and behavioral perspectives, the patient is avoiding the truth about their true intentions and feelings. This is only based on the interview with peers and family. The patient was experiencing something different compared to what was stated. The patient could possibly have a generalized anxiety disorder, and or a depressive disorder. Even though peers assume it could be related to substances, there is no concrete evidence that substances were involved in the change in cognition and behavior.   

Brewer and Simpelo (2014) provide information regarding the patient's peers indicating that the patient was different before, such as being outgoing, friendly, and even gregarious. However, over a few years, the patient changed their personality, such weightless, also being suspicious. With that sudden and extreme change in behavior, it can lead to the belief of possible depressive disorder with second anxiety disorder. These changes affect the person's cognitive and behavioral actions.

Thus, the possible diagnoses are based on Morrison's (2014), F41.1 Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This is when a person meets the criteria of, having a worry about everything, as well as being at the age of 30 years of age. This is shown with the patient seeking help because they are having anxiety with life choices and are at and or above the age of 30 years old.

One evidence base treatment to help a person dealing with a generalized anxiety disorder could be cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of treatment can be effective to help those who are dealing with anxiety disorder. This in turn will help their symptoms of anxiety, as well as help the person be more involved in their daily activities. A non-evidence-based treatment for generalization anxiety disorder could be mediation, and or a better sleeping pattern.

Some questions that could be asked to the patient is but not limited to:

1. With your consent, loved ones and peers indicated that your personality changed, is that accurate to present?

2. Have you taken any substance, such as alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, LCD, and or other substance?

3. In recent years, has your mother reached out to you in any way that possibly made you feel anxious?

Discussion 2

It was mentioned that you found it necessary to speak to individuals familiar with your client Bob Smith. Consent was given and signed allowing friends of Smith to talk about his condition. This process is in accordance with ethical principle 4.01  maintaining confidentiality. It was not mentioned that there was any discussion on behalf of Dr. Brewer on his concerns with Bob Smith. He was only concerned with how Smith's peers viewed him.  Informed consent was also provided by Smith which is in accordance with ethical principle 3.10  informed consent. However, Smith did not provide permission allowing his mother to be consulted on his behalf, and his mother was still sought out, it is imperative that when speaking to his mother confidentiality is not broken principles are not broken or compromised. 

The patient explains that he is the only child born to low income religious, conservative and strict parents. He also explained that his father was only present on the weekends as he stayed away from home for work during the week. His mother worked at his school when he was in grammar school, and high school. She even tried to follow him to college. 

The patient initial issue with himself is that he is anxious with his future. The patient displays symptoms such as, being an occasional drinker, his friends showed concern in his personality shift, he lost a lot of weight in a short period of time, he has been described as closed off, and suspicious. There are also concerns of him being addicted to drugs. 

Based on the behavioral perspective, the client developed these symptoms and problems from private stimuli (Guercio, J.M., 2022). Behavior approach tells us that the environment causes behavior (Cloninger, 2019). Changes in behavior happen throughout life, consequences determine behaviors (Cloninger, 2019). 

Based off the DSM-5 the patient could suffer from substance use disorder. This disorder causes impaired functioning, and can be caused from drugs e.g., caffeine, alcohol, and pain medicine. The patient meets the criteria of this diagnosis in that, the use can cause distress or impairment. He exhibits this with his sudden change in personality, and his sudden weight loss. He has become closed off, so he has a reduction in activities. Those who suffer from substance abuse also develop issues within their personal and interpersonal life, employment, health and safety, and physiological sequels. He meets these criteria in the neglect of a relationship with his mother, and after fourteen years at the same job he has lost his devotion. It is possible that the client has substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder, which the use of a substance or medication has caused panic attacks or other symptoms of anxiety. 

One evidence-based treatment option for this diagnosis is A non-evidence-based treatment option for this diagnosis could be addiction medicine, while a non-evidence-based treatment option for this diagnosis are twelve step programs according to the CDC. 

Questions that could help determine the most accurate diagnosis would be:

1. What substances do you like to consume for recreational purposes and non-recreational purposes?

2. How often do you consume alcohol or other substances?

3. How do you feel when you do not have access to alcohol or other substances that you consume?