Post-traumatic stress disorder

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Journal

Author's Name

Institutional Affiliation

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Reflect on your clinical experience by writing(four to five sentences)responses to each of the

following questions. Include references from the learning activities or from journal articles and

resources located in the Regis Library Database:

1. What were thehighlights of this week'sclinical? Describe a particular patient, patient

interaction, or disease process that stood out to you.schizophrenia

medication management session, that weremissing some of the conceptsyou have

been learning about regarding therapeutic relationships and communication.Anorexia

nervosa

5. How did youapply the content learnedin your online courses to your clinical setting this

week?

6. Which chief complaints did you see most often this week? Providedetails about how you

feltabout developing your own preliminary differential diagnoses lists for these patients

based on the complaints/symptoms they expressed.

7. Given the most frequent psychiatric disorders you encountered in your clinical rotation this

week, what is themost useful set of guidelines(i.e., depression guidelines, Beer’s

preceptor’s plan, too. Discuss, briefly, whether or not you agree with your preceptor’s plan

of care. If not, describe what you would have done differently and why.

10. What situation or patient presentation did you see in your clinical setting this week that

hasnot yet been coveredin your online psychiatric courses?Somatoform disorders

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What were the highlights of this week's clinical? Describe a particular patient, patient

interaction, or disease process that stood out to you

One of the major highlights of this week is the successful treatment of a schizophrenic patient.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is

characterized by a range of symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech,

disorganized behavior, and negative symptoms such as social withdrawal, apathy, and a lack of

severity of symptoms, while therapy can help individuals learn coping skills and strategies to manage

their illness.

It's important to note that people with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling lives with appropriate treatment

and support, and that early intervention can help improve outcomes. However, many people with

schizophrenia face stigma and discrimination, which can make it more difficult for them to access

treatment and support.

In addition to medication and therapy, there are several other treatments and interventions that may be

helpful for people with schizophrenia. These include:

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Social skills training: This type of therapy can help individuals with schizophrenia learn how to

communicate effectively and navigate social situations.

It's also important for individuals with schizophrenia to practice self-care and healthy lifestyle habits,

such as getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and engaging in regular exercise. These practices

can help improve overall health and well-being, and may also help reduce symptoms.

Overall, schizophrenia is a complex and challenging illness, but with appropriate treatment and support,

individuals with schizophrenia can live meaningful and fulfilling lives. It's important for people with

schizophrenia to seek help and support from healthcare professionals, family members, and friends, and

to work closely with their treatment team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets their

individual needs.

The patient, who had been at the facility severally before, was brought with serious

schizophrenic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech,

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and took the patient through individual therapy to help the patient normalize her thought patterns

and cope with stress. The patient's condition greatly stabilized after 24 hours.

Delusions: False beliefs that are not based in reality. These beliefs may be paranoid in nature, and

individuals with schizophrenia may believe that they are being persecuted or monitored.

Hallucinations: Sensory experiences that are not based in reality. These may include hearing voices or

seeing things that are not there.

Disorganized speech: Speech that is fragmented or difficult to follow.

Disorganized behavior: Behavior that is unpredictable or inappropriate, such as laughing or crying at

inappropriate times.

Negative symptoms: A lack of motivation, social withdrawal, and a decreased ability to experience

pleasure.

The symptoms of schizophrenia can be extremely distressing for individuals with the disorder and can

treatment and support, individuals with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling lives and manage their

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symptoms effectively. It's important for people with schizophrenia to seek help and support from

healthcare professionals, family members, and friends, and to work closely with their treatment team to

develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets their individual needs.

schizophrenia may experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of

hopelessness or worthlessness. They may also struggle with self-esteem and self-confidence, especially

if their symptoms have led to difficulties in areas such as work or social relationships.

The impact of schizophrenia can also extend to the individual's family members and loved ones. Family

members may experience feelings of frustration, worry, and stress as they try to support their loved one

disorder, and may need support and resources to help them cope with these challenges.

Despite the challenges associated with schizophrenia, it's important to remember that the disorder is

treatable, and that many people with schizophrenia are able to lead fulfilling lives with appropriate

well as the lives of their family members and loved ones. However, with appropriate treatment and

support, individuals with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms effectively and lead fulfilling lives.

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Reflect on a situation or a patient presentation that you were unfamiliar with during

clinical this week (i.e., the disorder and/or symptoms the patient was exhibiting). Describe

how you handled this unfamiliar situation/case

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can develop after an individual

experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Traumatic events that can lead to PTSD include natural

disasters, war, sexual or physical assault, accidents, or other life-threatening events.

The symptoms of PTSD can include:

Treatment for PTSD often involves a combination of medication and therapy. Antidepressants and anti-

anxiety medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, can help individuals learn

coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms, as well as process their traumatic experiences.

It's important for individuals with PTSD to seek help and support from healthcare professionals, family

members, and friends, and to work closely with their treatment team to develop a comprehensive

treatment plan that meets their individual needs. With appropriate treatment and support, individuals

with PTSD can manage their symptoms effectively and lead fulfilling lives.

In addition to medication and therapy, self-care and healthy lifestyle habits can also be helpful in

managing symptoms of PTSD. These may include:

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healthcare professionals who can provide emotional support and encouragement. Peer support

groups or online forums may also be helpful for individuals with PTSD to connect with others

who have experienced similar traumas.

It's worth noting that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Many

individuals are able to recover from trauma with the support of friends, family, and healthcare

professionals. However, for those who do develop PTSD, it's important to seek treatment and

support as soon as possible, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes.

Overall, PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can have a significant impact on an

individual's life and well-being. However, with appropriate treatment and support, individuals

with PTSD can manage their symptoms effectively and lead fulfilling lives.

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Effective communication in therapy also involves being mindful of cultural and individual differences.

order to create a culturally sensitive therapeutic environment.

Moreover, therapeutic communication should be goal-oriented, meaning that it should aim to help

clients achieve specific objectives that they have set for themselves. By setting clear goals and regularly

full attention to what the client is saying, not just hearing the words but also trying to understand the

underlying meaning and emotions. This can be accomplished by providing verbal cues, such as

paraphrasing and reflecting back what the client has said. Nonverbal cues, such as eye contact and body

language, can also signal to the client that they are being heard and understood.

Another important component of therapeutic communication is empathy. Empathy involves being able

to understand and share the client's emotional experience. This helps the therapist build rapport and

create a safe and supportive environment. By validating the client's emotions and experiences, the

therapist can help the client feel understood and accepted.

Effective communication in therapy also involves providing feedback and guidance to the client. This can

include offering insight into the client's behavior or thought patterns, as well as suggesting strategies for

managing challenging situations. Feedback should always be delivered in a respectful and constructive

therapeutic relationship with their clients.

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It is also important for therapists to continually evaluate their communication and adjust their approach

professional development opportunities to enhance their communication skills.

outcomes and meaningful change.

trust and ensure a safe therapeutic environment.

It is also important for therapists to recognize the power dynamics inherent in the therapeutic

relationship. The therapist holds a position of authority and influence over the client, and it is important

to use this power responsibly and ethically. This includes avoiding exploitation, respecting the client's

autonomy and privacy, and using evidence-based practices that prioritize the client's well-being.

Finally, effective communication in therapy extends beyond the therapy room. Therapists must also be

skilled at communicating with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, psychiatrists, and social

workers. Clear and concise communication can ensure that the client receives comprehensive and

coordinated care, which can ultimately lead to better outcomes.

In conclusion, therapeutic relationships and communication are essential components of effective

psychotherapy. By creating a safe and supportive environment, fostering effective communication,

establishing clear boundaries, and recognizing power dynamics, therapists can help their clients achieve

require skill, sensitivity, and ongoing reflection on the part of the therapist. By prioritizing effective

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communication and building strong therapeutic relationships, therapists can help their clients achieve

important roles. By working together and prioritizing effective communication, the therapeutic

relationship can become a powerful catalyst for change and transformation.

Discuss any interactions with patients that you observed, either in therapy or a medication

management session that were missing some of the concepts you have been learning about

regarding therapeutic relationships and communication.

On one of the occasions, I came across a patient with Anorexia nervosa. The patient was

characterized by abnormally low body weight and after a short engagement with her, I learned

that the patient had a very distorted image of her body. For instance, other than being a

compulsive exerciser, the patient firmly believed in "eating as little" as possible in order to avoid

gaining weight. In addition, the patient revealed unusual eating rituals such as excessive

chewing, arranging food in certain specific patterns on the plate, and counting calories before

eating. Being my first encounter with such a condition, I found it challenging to effectively serve

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Firstly, I used the content learned in our online courses to improve the accuracy and reliability of

by assessment and diagnosis. The materials learned online provided deeper insights into ways of

to light, it is crucial that BSN-prepared nurses know the importance of research. " All the

information and findings from the online materials will help to correct my old misunderstandings

and pave the way for new better treatment protocols— all of which enhance the quality of care

and improve patient outcomes.

Which chief complaints did you see most often this week? Provide details about how you

felt about developing your own preliminary differential diagnoses lists for these patients

based on the complaints/symptoms they expressed.

The most common complaints observed this week were depression and anxiety. Developing my

own preliminary diagnosis lists was somewhat challenging during the first few days, but as I

developed ore diagnoses lists it became increasingly easier and less confusing. Most of the

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The Beer's criteria is the most useful set of guidelines that I referred to for additional

information. For example, Beer's criteria helped to differentiate between potentially appropriate

and a descriptive summary of the medication's associated concerns (Lund et al. 2011).

(see question #7), did you feel that you had adequate knowledge to discuss these diagnoses

with your preceptor? If not, what preparation work do you have planned to help you feel

more confident for the upcoming clinical week?

Personally, I did not have adequate knowledge to discuss the diagnoses with my preceptor

especially because most of the patients were at different phases of depression. This made an

effective diagnosis of each patient somewhat challenging. Part of the preparation for improving

my confidence would be reading widely and constant practices to better understand depression,

its symptoms and phases, and necessary treatment approaches. Secondly, I consult with the

not yet been covered in your online psychiatric courses?

While Somatoform disorders has not been concerned in our online psychiatric courses, I

encountered two patients with the disease. Both patients exhibited one similar symptom-they

complained about extreme pain on their whole bodies. The two patients also expressed constant

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worries about potential diseases from their pain. Moreover, one of the patients complained that

her previous medical evaluation and treatment had been adequate to resolve her problem.

List a brief plan of care for one of the patients you saw this week. Include your preceptor's

plan, too. Discuss, briefly, whether or not you agree with your preceptor's plan of care. If

not, describe what you would have done differently and why.List a-brief plan of care-for

one of the patients you saw this week. Include your preceptor’s plan, too. Discuss, briefly,

would have done differently and why.

that meets their nutritional needs and promotes weight restoration.

4. Psychotherapy: The individual will receive individual or group therapy to address underlying

psychological issues related to the eating disorder.

5. Medication: If the individual is experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, medication may

be prescribed to help manage these symptoms.

6. Family involvement: Family-based therapy may be recommended to involve the family in the

individual's recovery process.

7. Support services: The individual may be referred to support groups or other resources to

provide additional support during the recovery process.

8. Follow-up care: The individual will receive ongoing monitoring and support to ensure that they

continue to make progress in their recovery and maintain a healthy weight and relationship with

food.

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Monitoring progress: The individual's progress will be monitored regularly, and the treatment plan may

Referral to specialized care: If the individual requires specialized care such as intensive outpatient

treatment or residential treatment, they may be referred to a specialized treatment center.

Overall, the plan of care for an individual with anorexia nervosa should be comprehensive and tailored

to the individual's specific needs. It should address the physical, nutritional, and psychological aspects of

the disorder and provide ongoing support to ensure that the individual maintains a healthy weight and

Education and support for family and caregivers: Family members and caregivers may also require

education and support to better understand the individual's condition and how they can support their

recovery.

Coping skills: The individual will learn coping skills to manage stress and negative emotions without

resorting to disordered eating behaviors.

Body image therapy: The individual may receive specialized therapy to improve their body image and

develop a healthier relationship with their body.

receive gradual exposure therapy to help them overcome these fears.

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Follow-up care: After completing treatment, the individual will receive follow-up care to ensure that

food. This may include regular check-ins with a healthcare provider, ongoing therapy, and support from

Collaborative approach: The plan of care should involve a collaborative approach, with the individual

and their healthcare team working together to identify the most effective treatment options and

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relationship with food and their body. It should be focused on promoting recovery, preventing relapse,

relapse, and improving overall health and well-being. It should be comprehensive, individualized, and

based on the most current evidence-based practices for the treatment of anorexia nervosa.