20181127161730week_4_dq_2_peer_reviews1.docxRe: Topic 4 DQ 2
Is it important to tailor treatment approaches based on gender identification? Why or why not?
When talking about a treatment plan and approaches there are many things to take into consideration such as age, gender, maturity level and so forth. When speaking about gender identification it is vital to have a treatment approach that tailors to the genders as each gender has their own situations that can affect them such as the females have certain conditions such as their menstrual cycle that can play a role in their treatment process and mental health. It is also important to remember that many other factors can play a role in the treatment process such as emotions. Having a tailored gender treatment approach can better assist both males and females as males may need to learn skills such as daily living skills, being able to show emotions. We as counselors also have to remember that men and women have different ways in which they seek treatment. It is vital the appropriate treatment plan is constructed for each client we serve with keeping gender identification as part of the treatment process.
Reference:
American Addiction Center. (2018). Gender and Addiction. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/adult-addiction-treatment-programs/gender
My response:
Good afternoon Sharon
Re: Topic 4 DQ 2
It is important to tailor treatment approaches based on gender identification. Comprehending the differences between males and females with substance use disorders is important to optimize prevention and treatment. Most knowledge of the treatment of substance use disorders was based on research conducted in males until the last few decades. Women and girls are representing a larger percentage of people with substance use disorders. This shrinking gender gap is apparent with adolescents, where boys and girls drink, binge drink, and use drugs at similar rates. Research has shown that there are biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors that differ between males and females with substance use disorders, so the treatment approach must take this into account. Considering co-occurring psychiatric symptoms is particularly relevant for women who are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, and more likely to report using substances to self- medicate negative affect. Men are typically reluctant to seek therapy, and are fearful of disclosing their feelings. Recent studies have identified differences in treatment response, showing the importance of matching interventions based on gender (McHugh, 2018).
Gender roles are defined by society as feminine or masculine behaviors, expectations, and roles embodied in an individual’s behavior. An individual identifies with and displays male or female behavior tendencies, or both, which is their gender role identity. It is important that a treatment approach takes this into account because it is a sensitive topic, especially in adolescents. Clients dealing with gender identity issues might feel lost themselves, and need specific treatment approaches that focus on self- discovery. Turning to substance use might be a way of coping with the difficulty of this issue, and they might need the counselor's help informing the family about their gender identity, and for support to both the patient and family members through this emotional process. These clients maybe dealing with the lack of support, rejection, or fear of rejection from family and friends; negative self-image based on nonconforming gender expressions; and bullying, which can contribute to developing posttraumatic stress disorder, increased vulnerability to eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and depression. These important issues need to be addressed while helping the client increase self-acceptance through the healing process. Counselors must be aware of their patient’s gender identity and tailor their approach to provide the best individualized treatment for a positive therapeutic outcome (Malpas, Glaeser, & Giammattei, 2018).
Malpas, J., Glaeser, E., & Giammattei, S. V. (2018). Building resilience in transgender and gender expansive children, families, and communities: A multidimensional family approach. In Perspectives on sexual orientation and diversity. The gender affirmative model: An interdisciplinary approach to supporting transgender and gender expansive children (pp. 141-156). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
McHugh, K. (2018). Why gender matters in the study and treatment of substance use disorders. Society of Clinical Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.div12.org/why-gender-matters-in-the-study-and-treatment-of-substance-u...
My response:
Good afternoon Valerie
Re: Topic 4 DQ 2
It is clearly exceptional in seeing that a treatment is a tailor in order to find the identity of a gender. It is also crucial for gender to be a factor in women. Some researchers feel that there are different treatment approaches for both men and women in which disorders and different plays a factor. Some key factor to a tailored treatment it to first, identify the importance of a personal relationship in the life a female. Secondly, identify any health concerns. Third, try to distinguish that culturally-ascribed role and gender apprehension towards the female with substance abuse. According to Robert N. Jamison, a clinical psychologist at the Harvard Brigham and Women Hospital, women with who have a drug addiction might be an encouragement for the sensitive and disappointment, while men have behavior stem from the ambiguous group and behavioral concerns which points to the directions of substance abuse. Jamison also points out that women who abuse pain medicine are more likely to have to be sexually active or have a history of physical abuse.
Women Have Special Needs in Substance Abuse Treatment. (2010, May 26). Retrieved from https://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com/addiction-recovery/women-have-special-needs-in-substance-abuse-treatment/
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