For your Final Project, you will apply the information you have learned in this course to critically analyze a specific case study from the Co-occurring Disorders Treatment Workbook (The Louis de la P
Running head: FINAL PAPER ` 0
Co-occurring disorders Treatment
Tonya Hayes
CNDV 5326_01
Lamar University
Fall 2020
Co-occurring disorders Treatment
Co-occurring disorders imply concurring substance use, whether used as dependence or abuse, and mental illness such as anxiety and depression. The diagnosis is what is referred to as a co-occurring disorder. Any blend concerning substance abuse and mental health disorders is categorized under this diagnosis, such as depression and alcohol addiction, heroin dependence, post-traumatic stress and dependence on prescription drugs, and anxiety. The connection between the two is that when one is involved in activities related to substance abuse such as the use of Marijuana, it leads to the development of mental health illnesses such as confusion, paranoia, and anxiety.
Overview of the Case Study
The act of Bennie resorting to indulge in the use of cocaine, in this case, is what which is referred to as substance use, is what lead to his mental health illness referred to as a depression. Bennie has been struggling with depression for two months, and as a result of Bennie losing his job at the construction company where he was working after his screening turned out positive for cocaine. Bennie losing his job caused him to be stressed, sad, and very depressed; the constant feeling of sadness and interest made him more depressed. It caused him to experience insomnia; even when he overdosed, he still woke up tired and exhausted and felt even more depressed. He lost interest in engaging in activities that could earn him money.
The events continued to worsen, especially when his girlfriend left him after not being able to take it anymore. Instead of Bennie resorting to getting help by considering treatment or reaching out for help, he decides to now get into heavy drinking and taking in even more crack and cocaine. It worsens the situation as he even gets more depressed and even develops suicidal thoughts. The connection between depression and substance abuse is illustrated when he indulges in drugs to avoid sadness. Bennie could consider seeking medical attention, such as visiting a counselor offering a talk therapy. Similarly, he could also be put under medication, which involves using antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics to treat depression. The most appropriate action for Bennie to take was to visit a therapist to be offered a talk therapy by the counselor in a session where he willingly opens up to the counselor, and he is advised appropriately.
Procedures and Process for Assessment and Diagnosis
Depression ought to be evaluated as mild, severe, or moderate, considering the extent and the effect of symptoms and its extent. The assessment is very significant as it ascertains the type of treatment that will be used. The assessment involves;
The inclusion of a complete history and assessment inclusive of the mental health status.
Discovery of useful mutual and social issues.
Noting down of psychiatric events that highlight past events of depression and mood changes, reaction to the past treatments, and contemporary mental illnesses exist.
Examining the safety of the client and the possible risks he posses to others.
Getting of third party details from family members or friends and its relevance
Diagnosis
Medication: Health experts might recommend the use of antidepressants which is vital for stabilizing their mood.
Pro-active talking therapy sessions: This is involves talking to counselor or a health expert where one opens up about the problems they are facing and appropriate actions taken
Electroconvulsive Therapy: It is suitable for clients suffering severe depression or other disorders related to bipolar which is not receptive to other forms of treatment.
Combination of different treatment: This is significant to establish the right type of treatment that should be offered to a client, the most appropriate is selected.
Help from different support groups: This is in cases where it is necessary to help come up with appropriate strategy in curbing the ailment. Support groups such as Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
DSM-5 Diagnosis
Bennie was suffering from severe depression; he had reached to the extent of putting an end to his life. DSM-5 is the most appropriate tool to be used in cases of complex and severe depression. Bennie meets the DSM-V criteria for Cocaine Use Disorder Severe (F14.20). It is undertaken when one engages in substance abuse at high levels persistently, when one wants to quit and fails to do so, and when one spends most of his time engaging with the drug (Mcfarlane, 2005). Bennie had been struggling with cocaine as he took it in large amounts and spent most of his time using drugs, which affected his mental health by great length as it became too severe since he faced constant depression. Bennie had felt a depressed mood, lack of sleep, and loss of interest in activities. To a large extent Bennie was deep into the use of substance abuse which greatly affected his mental health leading to severe depression.
The treatment would involve medications such as the use of antidepressants in the treatment of depression as it would be significant in stabilizing the client's mood. An individual might similarly visit a counselor to get therapy talks that will enable them to open up and get their problems solved.
Ethical Issues Inherent in the Case Study
When Bennie started to engage into heavy smoking and use of cocaine to take care of the stress he was going through, he lacked individual responsibility. This is mainly because he did not make appropriate decisions that could have helped him in overcoming the depression he was going through. He ended up feeling more depressed to the point of losing himself and developed suicidal thoughts. Bennie could have taken the right decision by keeping his mood relaxed and seek help from friends and health professionals.
Bennie involved himself in the use of cocaine which is an illegal drug. Cocaine is an illegal drug which is prohibited for use by individuals, the buying and selling of Cocaine is forbidden. Anyone found in possession or to be using cocaine, strict actions are taken against them by the law enforcers. Cocaine is a very dangerous drug that destroys the lives of many individuals as it is highly addictive. Individuals spend most of their time and money on it.
References
Association, A. P. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Arlington: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Danto, A., & Pruzansky, M. (2011). 1001 pediatric treatment activities: Creative ideas for therapy sessions. Thorofare, NJ: Slack.
Ekleberry, S. C. (2011). Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders: Personality disorders and addiction. Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders: Personality Disorders and Addiction. 1-232. doi:10.4324/9780203843710
Mcfarlane, A. C. (2005). Psychiatric Morbidity Following Disasters: Epidemiology, Risk and Protective Factors. Disasters and Mental Health, 37-63. doi:10.1002/047002125x.ch3
