Use The Decision Tree Format To Diagnose And Treat A Clie ✓ Solved

Use The Decision Tree Format To Diagnose And Treat A Clie

You will use the Decision Tree format to diagnose and treat a client with a personality disorder. Decision #1: Differential Diagnosis. Which Decision did you select? Why did you select this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. What were you hoping to achieve by making this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #1 and the results of the Decision. Why were they different?

Decision #2: Treatment Plan for Psychotherapy. Why did you select this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. What were you hoping to achieve by making this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #2 and the results of the Decision. Why were they different?

Decision #3: Treatment Plan for Psychopharmacology. Why did you select this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. What were you hoping to achieve by making this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #3 and the results of the decision. Why were they different? Also include how ethical considerations might impact your treatment plan and communication with clients and their family.

Paper For Above Instructions

When diagnosing and treating personality disorders, it is essential to utilize a systematic approach that allows practitioners to make informed decisions based on clinical evaluations and evidence-based practices. Rhonda, a 32-year-old Hispanic female, presents significant emotional distress characterized by impulsivity, unstable relationships, and a tumultuous history that suggests a personality disorder, prompting the use of a Decision Tree format for comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

Decision #1: Differential Diagnosis

This decision requires selecting a personality disorder that best fits Rhonda's current presentation. Based on the provided details, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is the most applicable diagnosis. BPD is characterized by unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions (Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz, 2014). Rhonda demonstrates impulsive behavior, rapid emotional changes, and a history of tumultuous relationships. The decision to select BPD was based on aligning her symptoms with established diagnostic criteria, as well as the significant distress caused by her emotional instability.

By selecting BPD, the aim was to develop an accurate understanding of Rhonda's psychological state, which could drive appropriate interventions. Literature supports a connection between early trauma and the development of BPD (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Despite anticipating that the diagnosis would provide a clearer pathway for a treatment plan, the actual results highlighted the complexity of Rhonda's symptoms, leading to a consideration of comorbid disorders such as Histrionic Personality Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder as potential contributors to her condition.

Decision #2: Treatment Plan for Psychotherapy

The next step involves creating a treatment plan focusing on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which is evidenced as effective for clients with BPD. DBT aims to improve emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and coping skills (Linehan, 2014). The decision was supported by research indicating DBT's significant efficacy in treating BPD symptoms.

The goal attached to implementing DBT was to enhance Rhonda's capacity for managing challenging emotions and reducing self-destructive behaviors. While it was anticipated that DBT would help Rhonda reclaim her emotional stability within a few sessions, the real-time results revealed that the road to change may be longer due to her deeply ingrained behavioral patterns and relational issues. Such realizations called for treatment adjustments and greater therapist collaboration with Rhonda.

Decision #3: Treatment Plan for Psychopharmacology

The final element of the treatment decision tree involves considering pharmacological interventions. The plan proposed starting Rhonda on Abilify (aripiprazole) at a daily dosage of 15mg. This decision stemmed from studies indicating Abilify's role in mitigating emotional dysregulation and impulsive behavior associated with BPD (Zanarini et al., 2015). The expected outcome was to stabilize her mood and reduce the intensity of her emotional reactions.

Whereas anticipated outcomes included noticeable improvement in Rhonda's overall disposition within weeks of starting medication, responses indicated that while there were some fluctuations in her emotional state, full stabilization required ongoing medication management and closer monitoring of side effects. Therefore, the outcomes necessitated further exploration of Rhonda's responses to therapy and medication simultaneously.

Ethical Considerations

Throughout Rhonda's treatment process, ethical considerations play a crucial role in ensuring that her needs are respected, especially given her history of trauma and relational issues. Clinicians must practice informed consent, explaining all available treatment options, potential risks, and benefits clearly. Furthermore, a culturally competent approach is essential, recognizing how Rhonda's identity influences her experiences and treatment receptivity (American Nurses Association, 2014).

Another critical ethical aspect includes confidentiality and the importance of maintaining a safe space for Rhonda to express her emotions and life situations without fear of judgment or breach of trust. Engaging Rhonda in shared decision-making empowers her and allows for a more personalized treatment plan that reflects her values and preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, using the Decision Tree format for diagnosing and treating personality disorders provides clarity in navigating complex presentations like Rhonda's. Each decision intersects with active problem-solving, ongoing assessment, and consideration of ethical frameworks. The focus on personalizing care through psychotherapy and psychopharmacology will optimally address Rhonda's symptoms while promoting pathways to recovery.

References

  • American Nurses Association. (2014). Psychiatric-mental health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.

  • Gabbard, G.O. (2014). Gabbard’s treatment of psychiatric disorder (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publication.

  • Linehan, M. M. (2014). Skills training manual for treating borderline personality disorder. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

  • Sadock, B. J., Sadock, V. A., & Ruiz, P. (2014). Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry (11th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.

  • Zanarini, M. C., Frankenburg, F. R., Hennen, J., & Silk, K. (2015). A 10-year follow-up study of the effects of the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder on psychosocial functioning. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(5), 510-15.