Screening for Treatment or Referral
The situation is very complicated, however, because our agency deals with mental disorders and has a child evaluation specialist and a child psychiatrist, it can address the needs of Julia in a short-term period. Having the ability to provide specific treatment, our agency is going to serve the patient with particular care. One of the main aspects which are going to be considered is the screening of a girl for an eating disorder. Therefore, being able to define the specific nature of the problem by the DSM IV, the agency will be able to take further steps. It is essential to know the nature of the disorder and only then refer to treatment. Bullying at school is one of the reasons, however, it is not enough for concluding. A depressive disorder is the main aspect of treatment that is going to be addressed. Eating disorder is the effect of depression, which is a result of personal dissatisfaction.
Review of the Existing Evidence from the Literature
McDermott (2006) presents much useful information, however, the models for understanding eating disorders based on diagnostic criteria are the most effective ones. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as the guide for action, it is important to mention that obesity is not included in the model as according to DSM-IV it does not refer to behavioral or psychological problems. In this case, obesity is used as a consequence, which will be reduced after the root problem is considered. The strong point of this article is the combination of the eating disorders and behavioral aspects of the problem as the mixture of the possible reasons for the psychological problem. Therefore, the author refers to eating disorders as a result of depression.
Grange and Lock (2011) present the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for problem-solving. DSM-IV-TR is the strategic model which may assist in defining the reasons for the behavior connected with the situation under discussion. Moreover, following this model it is possible to consider the basic information devoted to the anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or another eating disorder problem as a result of depression. The authors are sure that having an eating disorder, a person suffers one of the mentioned above Nervosa, which is to be the main aspect in defining the treatment measures.
Haines, Ziyadeh, Franko, McDonald, Mond, and Austin (2011) are sure that screening high school students for eating disorders is to be the first step on the way to recovery. Having selected the specific method drawn from the National Eating Disorder Screening Program, the researchers used the Eating Attitudes Test with questions devoted to understanding the eating culture of high school students. The results are shocking as “12% of females and 3% of males reported vomiting to control their weight and 17% of females and 10% of males reported binge eating 1 or more times per month” (Haines, Ziyadeh, Franko, McDonald, Mond, & Austin, 2011, p. 530). Such high rates of vomiting or binge eating are the results of the creation of the stereotype.
Trujillo (2012) supports this idea by writing about the role of media and society in the life of adolescents and their consideration of depression as the theme of the discussion. The report dwells upon the negative effect media, and social opinion plays on adolescents and their eating disorders as they create the illusion of an ideal man and an ideal woman, which are to be corresponded to. Such discussion makes adolescents follow the ideal people, which do not exist, therefore, it is impossible to do it. As a result, the depressive condition leads to various problems, in our case, it is the depressive thoughts about suicide and eating disorder as one of the reflections of personal discontent.
Linville, Stice, Gau, and & O’Neil (2011) dwell upon the role of parents in creating an eating behavior of adolescents and the risk of depression formation. The results show that mothers may affect their daughters by personal example, the effect may be both positive and negative.
Heller (2003) speaks about body image supported by self-esteem. Much information is directed at the signs of the possible problems. Therefore, the information may help in understanding Julia’s depression and considering the measures which are going to assist her treatment.
Prioritizing Treatment Outcome Goals and Setting a Treatment Plan
The case under consideration points at Julia’s eating disorder with referencing to the psychological issues. The situation covers the problems at school, the inability of parents to deal with their daughter, and as a result misunderstanding and failure to notice the beginning of the problem. It is essential to understand that depression is the main reason for eating disorders. Therefore, simple knowledge about the eating disorder and the consequence of the issue may not result in a successful recovery. A girl is rather aggressive that creates additional barriers on the way to recovery. A depressive disorder is going to be solved in several steps. First, the assessment of the psychological condition is going to be conducted. Second, the connection between a patient and a therapist is going to be created to make sure that a girl trusts a therapist and he/she may help her. Antidepressant treatment is going to be completed along with psychotherapy. Physical activity is going to be offered in combination with a well-balanced diet, which is going to assist the recovery and eating disorder, which support’s Julia’s depression. Social activity is to be used as one3 of the steps of treatment. Finally, meditation is to be considered. Speaking about prioritizing in the treatment plan, antidepressant treatment and psychotherapy are going to be the main goals on the way to Julia’s recovery.
The family is ready to assist in treatment, however, additional problems are created by the patient’s reluctance to negotiate goals. The main idea of selecting and defining the goals is to make sure that the treatment is conducted by specific rules and the priorities are put on the necessary purposes. It is important to enumerate all the necessary actions, which are to be accomplished in the direction of Julia and then stress on the most essential ones.
Treatment Evaluation
Having considered the steps of treatment, it may be concluded that the treatment’s strategy is rather effective. First of all, medical treatment is covered along with psychological assistance. It increases the chances for faster recovery. Moreover, meditation and social activity are included that make it possible for Julia to remain with herself and to participate in social life, which is a very important factor. Psychical activity is essential as having an eating disorder as the side effect of depression personal self-esteem may increase with the changes in the body.
Reference List
Grange, D. L., & Lock, J. (2011). Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Clinical Handbook. New York: Guilford Press.
Haines, J., Ziyadeh, N. J., Franko, D. L., McDonald, J., Mond, J. M., & Austin, S. B. (2011). Screening High School Students for Eating Disorders: Validity of Brief Behavioral and Attitudinal Measures. Journal of School Health, 81(9), 530-535.
Heller, T. (2003). Eating Disorders: A Handbook for Teens, Families, and Teachers. Jefferson: McFarland.
Linville, D., Stice, E., Gau, J., & O’Neil, M. (2011). Predictive effects of mother and peer influences on increases in adolescent eating disorder risk factors and symptoms: A 3-year longitudinal study. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 44(8), 745-751.
McDermott, B. (2006). Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Trujillo, A. E. (2012). Adolescents and Eating Disorders. Insights to a Changing World Journal, 3, 126-140.