Maryam (Mary) was referred to the agency by her physician, Dr. Jaffee. She is a Caucasian female aged 17 years. Currently, she is a university student residing on her campus. She reported to Dr. Jaffee that she had a sleep and other problems. Physiological tests conducted on her were normal. As such, a decision was made to refer her to the agency. In this paper, several issues relating to Mary’s trauma case will be analyzed.
Key Assessment Issues
There are various key assessment issues in Mary’s case. They include the event that led to her condition. The behavioral changes adopted by Mary, such as adjustments in sleep patterns, feeling unworthy, guilt, and fear of driving again, have to be dealt with. Over the years, significant progress has been made in the development of assessment instruments of measuring trauma (Chinn, 2011). The tools will be used in Mary’s case.
Mary’s Crisis
Mary is in a crisis. Her current behavior puts some aspects of her life at risk. For example, she complains of sleep problems. As a result, the client drinks three to four glasses of vodka and orange juice per night. Constant use of alcohol to reduce stress may lead to addiction problems (Thomas, 2008). Also, Mary is unable to attend her morning classes. Consequently, the problem may lead to a decline in her academic performance, resulting in a crisis.
Immediate Needs
The client’s immediate need is to be helped to come to terms with the current situation. A practitioner should engage a trauma client in a conversation to determine their state of mind (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2013). In Mary’s case, the medical practitioner will listen and encourage her to talk about the events when she feels ready. Such a move will put into perspective her immediate needs.
Specific Interventions
Various specific interventions can be used to help Mary. One of them is making her understand that her symptoms are normal (Feliciano, 2008). Another specific intervention entails identifying Mary’s concrete needs. The practitioner will also help her relax and face the situation. Also, she will be encouraged to talk about her experience with close friends and access support networks, such as community centers.
Mary’s Possible Diagnosis
The primary step in diagnosing trauma involves visiting a trained and qualified doctor (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2013). Mary has already made this move. Given the symptoms presented, it is likely that she has post-traumatic stress disorder. The reason is that the car accident shocked her a lot. She has not recovered from the shock. As such, the possible diagnosis is stress-related trauma. The recurrent symptoms, such as lack of sleep and nightmares, point to this condition (Thomas, 2008).
Mary’s Post-Traumatic Disorder
Mary is suffering from a stress disorder. The most probable one is post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD). The condition often develops immediately after an individual experience a disturbing event. It can take weeks, months, or even years to manifest in some patients. The symptoms associated with the disorder include constant lack of sleep, nightmares, feelings of isolation, guilt, and irritability (Thomas, 2008). Mary is experiencing all of these problems.
Biology of Trauma
Trauma has various biological effects on a patient. The impacts differ from the stage of the condition (Chinn, 2011). In Mary’s case, the biology of trauma is presented by her daily mannerisms, which were induced by accident. The issues ‘cloud’ her mind, making her believe that she is stupid and worthless.
Notifying Family Members
Mary’s family should be notified of her current condition. The presence of close relatives acts as a source of comfort for trauma patients (Chinn, 2011). It is expected that the family members will show their total love and support for her. Also, Mary will have someone to share with and talk about her experiences. As a result, she will be in a better position to cope with the problem.
My Competence
I do not expect to face any difficulties working with the client. The reason is my extensive knowledge of psychology, which I have acquired from my studies. Also, Mary’s condition has not progressed to ‘extreme’ limits. Also, she is willing and ready to get help. As a result, I can competently manage her by taking the right measures (Feliciano, 2008).
Seeking Additional Resources
I will need additional resources. The support is likely to help me manage and control the condition (Thomas, 2008). Some measures used to help trauma patients include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization, and reprocessing (EMDR), and encouraging the patient to join self-help groups (Feliciano, 2008). Additional resources will be needed to help me take Mary through these steps.
Coordination and Treatment Issues to Consider
A practitioner needs to take into consideration several treatment issues when helping trauma patients. The development plays a significant role in the recovery process. As such, coordinating with other professionals will help the practitioner to determine the effectiveness of the measures employed (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2013). Also, doctors must consider the client’s access to health services and alternative treatment procedures.
Conclusion
This intervention aims to help Mary come into terms with her condition. She has PTSD. Several measures will be put in place to help her deal with the condition.
References
Chinn, P. (2011). Trauma and stress. Hagerstown, MD: Wolters Kluwer Health, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Feliciano, D. (2008). Trauma (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical.
Jackson-Cherry, L., & Erford, B. (2013). Crisis assessment, intervention, and prevention (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Thomas, P. (2008). Post traumatic stress disorder. Farmington Hills, MI: Lucent Books.