Mental Health and Safety as One of the Most Prominent Aspects for the Lives - Case Study Example

Introduction Health and well being has been one of the major focuses of healthcare sector of various nations of the world. It has been observed that people are more vulnerable to disease and health complications in the present day environment (Rygh & Sanderson, 2004). Contextually, it has been comprehended that numerous regulations are practiced in various nations of the world to make sure that healthcare services are provided appropriately to the people with due consideration to the aspect of legality and ethicality. Health and safety is one of the most prominent aspects for the lives of individuals irrespective of the society they belong. In this contemporary environment, people are deemed to be engaged with their daily work due to which they have minimum time to take care of their health (Simpson & et. al., 2010; 127-139). However, in the process of meeting their professional and personal obligation, they acquire lots of behavioural and psychological stress, which further result in severe health complication. The increasing number of chronic health disorder reflects a clear picture of the contemporary society with regard to health and well being. Contextually, this particular essay provides an elaborative discussion about a particular case that is relevant to healthcare complication of any individual. Furthermore, the provided case will be analysed elaborately by providing the facts and prominent elements that are accountable for such adverse health condition. Case Overview An 18 year old female with health complication of shortness of breath has been dispatched from university on a particular day. During her health complication, University lecturers and her classmates have assisted her to an ambulance. She complained about problems relating to nauseous and lack of strength, which was probably owing to the aspect that she had little sleep for the past few weeks. In this regard, she had visited the local doctor around 3 times for the last few weeks. The local doctor has conducted medical tests such as blood check up, X-ray and ultra sound. While she was awaiting for the report of the test, her illness was more severe due to vomiting, weakness, sleeping issues and increasing issues of short of breath among others. She was also unable to conduct her daily work that includes going to the university, local pub and joining her music band among others. She began to deteriorate in terms of health both mentally and physically with time. Key Clinical Signs of the Case The case mainly highlighted some of the facts relevant to the health complications of an 18 year old lady. It has been observed from the case that the lady has been dealing with certain health complications over the past few weeks for which she has visited the local doctor. However, she is waiting for the results of the tests including blood tests, X rays and ultra-sound of the abdominal area conducted by the local doctor, so that a better understanding can be gained about the health complications that she have been dealing with. Notably, as per the understanding gained from the case it can be affirmed that the 18 years female has been encountering with certain severe health issues, which was deteriorating her mental and physical stability with each passing day. This particular assumption can be supported and justified from the fact that while she was awaiting her results for the medical tests conducted by her local doctor, she was becoming more weak and unstable in terms of the physical well being. Her health problems associated with short of breath has become worse over the past 7 weeks starting from the day when she complained about the same for the first time. It has also been noted that with each passing she was not been able to conduct her daily basic operations effectively which includes going to the university, spending time with friends and paying visit to the local pub in the evening time. All these scenarios were directly relevant with her weaknesses that were developed from the health complications she was dealing with. She lost all her energy to do daily functions as she used to do before. It will be worth mentioning that she starts to shake and vomit whenever she tries to leave home for visiting university or pub. This instability has also affected her mental health in a noteworthy manner. She began to perceive that she was so tired that she was letting her music team down by not been able to help them with the music. In this regard, clinical assessment of the patient has provided efficient results about the cause of her severe health condition. As per the study of Rogers (2012), clinical assessment conducted by doctors or physicians facilitate in having a proper diagnosis of a particular health disorder. It is deemed helpful in developing the treatment plan for the patients in the subsequent phases. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) can be an effective clinical assessment tool that can be used to analyse the health condition of the patient, as the tool is considered effective in comprehending behavioural and psychological problems (UBM Medica, 2014) Discussion The Potential Diagnosis and the Rationale The health complication must be properly diagnosed and treated in order to deal with the health issue of the 18 year old female mentioned in the case. Contextually, this particular discussion will heed on depicting resemblance of the symptoms of the health issue portrayed in the case with the assistance of medical literature and journals. It has been observed from the analysis of the case and the clinical facts gathered in the above section, the 18 year old lady might be suffering from the disorder of anxiety, which is quite common in the present day scenario (ADAA, 2014). Observably, in medical terms, anxiety can be explained as the non-specific medical condition, which is directly related to the mental health of any individual. It is also often regarded as a psychiatric medical condition, which directly erupts from mental instability. As per the point of view of Simpson & et. al. (2010), anxiety in general occurs when a person is not stable owing to mental distress or encountering a fear of some sort. This situation can lead to other mental issues which include depression, phobias and panic in certain cases (Simpson & et. al., 2010; 140-148). The diagnosis criteria for the disease will include depicting restlessness, fatigue, irritability and sleep disturbance. One of the mentioned situations within the health of the patient may assure the prevalence of anxiety. In a similar perspective, the study of Dugas & Robichaud (2012) noted that anxiety is a particular health disorder that people can face owing to any emotional problems or with an increase of stress level in a workplace or personal life. People with such problems are deemed to face problems in decision making and to conduct daily work effectively with less error. The disorder can cause serious health distress (Dugas & Robichaud, 2012). Furthermore, according to the analysis of Rygh & Sanderson (2004), anxiety can emerge due to extreme worry towards any particular aspect. This can ensure problems such as shakiness and nausea among others (Rygh & Sanderson, 2004). In the provided case scenario, the 18 old female may be considered to be suffering from the mental illness such as anxiety. The rationale for this particular viewpoint can be justified through aligning the symptoms of anxiety with that of the health issues encountered by the young female in the case scenario. Notably, analysis of secondary sources suggested that there are certain conditions or symptoms that can show that a person may be suffering from the disorder of anxiety (Patient.co.uk, n.d.). Some of the identified symptoms or health situations include problems related with sleeping, shortness of breath or breathing problems, nausea, dizziness, phobias, panic, dry mouth and weakness among others (Health Media, 2014). All these symptoms depict the fact that a person is dealing with severe problems associated with the mental disease of anxiety. In order to affirm that the lady in the case scenario is dealing with anxiety, issues she is facing with regard to mental condition will be crucial to discuss. It has been understood from the case that in the initial days of her health complication, the young lady was facing problems of nausea, which caused weakness of some sort. Contextually, it can be said that nausea is one of the most vital symptom that shows a person is suffering from anxiety. It is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety. It is quite generalised on nature and hence it does not happen only to specific patients for different social occasions that include conflicts and work stress among others. This aspect portrays that the young lady is under the influence of anxiety. It has also been observed that as per the case, the 18 year old young lady was having minimal sleep from the past few weeks prior to encountering the problem of nausea. This can also be seen as a potential symptom of anxiety, which further affirms the fact that the lady is suffering from anxiety as a mental health disorder. Shortness of breath is also a potential problem that can be a result of anxiety within an individual. Notably, people with anxiety have problems relating to breathing and the problem becomes worse or severe with the passage of time. In the case of the young women provided in the case, such problems were quite apparent. It has been observed in the case that the young lady continuously complained for problems of breathing in the past few weeks (Beck & et. al., 1988). Her breathing problems worsened in the subsequent weeks, which further hindered her from conducting her daily activities in an effective manner altogether. This particular aspect also justifies the probable diagnosis of anxiety of the young lady. It has been also comprehended from the analysis of secondary data that weakness is also a potential symptom of a person suffering from anxiety. People suffering from the disease will probably come across with problems of vomiting and dizziness, which further leads to physical and mental weaknesses (American Psychiatric Association, 2014). This aspect can also be seen in the provided case scenario where it was clear that the young female was not able to visit pub and the university owing to the problems of vomiting and dizziness (WebMD, 2014). This affirms that the young lady was indeed suffering from general anxiety disorder. It must be mentioned that the diagnosis of the patient can be conducted on the basis of the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’ (DSM). DSM is a standard followed to segregate mental disorders on the basis of certain aspects which includes diagnostic classification, diagnostic criteria and descriptive text among others (American Psychiatric Association, 2014). The Social, Biological and Psychological Basis for the Diagnosis From the analysis of the case and the secondary sources certain key facts has been highlighted and discussed. Observably, the illustration suggests that the young female presented in the case has been suffering from the problems of anxiety disorder. In addition, the basis on which the diagnosed disorder will also be crucial to discuss. In this regard, it has been depicted that this particular mental disorder can be owing to several key reasons, which can be segregated on social, biological and psychological grounds. With regard to social reasons of anxiety, it can be said that a person can be a victim of the disorder when he/she is dealing with a complex or non adjustable surrounding area, which can again be linked with his/her behavioural traits and capacity (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2014). People can be easily influenced from the anxious behavior of others and can easily be victimised by the anxiety disorder. It will be worth mentioning that people who have been grown up in a protective environment created by parents are deemed to acquire anxiety more often owing to the structure of their social interaction. People who deemed to get anxiety owing to social reasons will be shy and discomfort in the process of their social interaction. Their personality traits and upbringing will certain hinder their communication with other in the surrounding environment. This aspect will further affect their mental health in a negative manner and will consequently lead to anxiety (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2014). With regard to the biological influence of anxiety, several key facts and information can also be presented. Biological basis of anxiety disorder mainly relates to the mental and physical stability of any individual. Anxiety is a particular disorder that may also be caused from genetic and heredity reasons. It has been also noted that when an individual encounter with any sort of health issue relevant to brain, the consequences can be in the form of anxiety. Again, the relation between anxiety and genetics has experienced a continuous discussion. The disorder of anxiety can pass from one generation to another within a particular family. However, in most of the scenarios, the disorder passes from parents to their children. When parents deal with problems of stress and panic, the same genetic problems can be observed from their children as well. It has been noted that the main difference between a patient with anxiety and a normal people is related to biological difference that further increases the severity of the disease. It has been comprehended that issues or problems in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine are the causing factors of anxiety within an individual (Baumeiter & Tice, 1990). Anxiety can also be a reflection of severe psychological problems. It can be comprehended from the analysis that anxiety is a mental distress and it has a psychological link as well. It has been noted that events of the early life can ensure psychological distress within an individual, which further reflects in the form of the occurrence of anxiety disorder. Again, emotional memories of the past can also result in the form of anxiety disorder. The mental and physical stress an individual needs to deal with in his/her personal and professional life can also lead to the problems of anxiety. It has been observed that anxiety is mainly caused at the time human brain fail to control the level of fear. It damages the part of the brain that alerts individuals about fear and worry. This further depicted that mental instability is directly linked with the disease of anxiety amid individuals (Kirmayer, 2001). However, understanding gained from the analysis of the case revealed the basis causes owing to which the lady has been suffering from the problem of anxiety. The causes that are identified in the case are shortness of breath, vomiting and shakiness. Current Management Practices Management of the patients with anxiety can be an important aspect to be discussed. For every disorder, there is an approach of management or treatment of the same. This particular aspect will also be present for the health disorder identified from the case. A large number of cases relating to anxiety are being treated with the assistance of professional care. The professional assistance used to deal with the patient of the provided case can be mainly in the form of taking assistance from doctors and health practitioners who are specialist in dealing with the disease of anxiety. Furthermore, based upon the understanding gained from present management practice of the disease, the 18 year old lady in the case must be recommended to avoid phobia or fear, as it can lead to severe anxiety problem. Rather, she should seek for proper medical attention towards mitigating the problems that cause anxiety at the very first place. The patient would also be communicated that when such disorders are left untreated they can cause other mental problems, which can be in the form of depression and anger. Furthermore, the help of psychiatrist will also be taken to deal with the illness of the 18 year old lady, as it is one of the most prominent practices in the present day management of anxiety. Moreover, Cognitive-Behavioural therapy acts as an important practice of managing the health disorder of anxiety will also be used to cure the health condition of the patient portrayed in the case to ensure long term relief from the disorder. The patient should have been provided with medication that includes antidepressant medicines and tranquillisers and other anti-anxiety medicines for reducing anxiety, so that the patient was able to revive from the symptoms of anxiety (American Psychological Association, 2014). Critical Evaluation of the Evidence that Support the Management Practices The above discussion mainly intends to highlight the treatment or the process of managing the disorder. In order to justify the effectiveness of the mentioned management practices, certain evidence based literatures and studies can be discussed. In this regard, the study of Baldwin & et. al. (2005) depicted about the pharmacological treatments that are offered for anxiety. It has been noted from the study that people usually prefer not to go for any drug treatment owing to the fear that they will develop psychological dependence on the same. Notably, the study affirmed that drugs that include the composition of citalopram, fluoxetine, duloxetine, maprotiline and amitriptyline are quite effective in dealing with the problem of anxiety with marginal side effects (Baldwin & et. al., 2005). This shows that drugs acts as vital elements in dealing with the problem of anxiety. In similar regard, the study of Clark (1999) noted the behavioural treatment of the aspect of anxiety. The study revealed that since, the aspect of anxiety largely relates to behavioural traits and beliefs of an individual, treatment of the disorder should be concentrated towards the same as well. The study discusses about the aspect that anxiety can be eliminated from reducing negative beliefs amid individuals. The study further advocates that a safety-seeking behaviour must be ensured amid individuals, so that negative thinking can be minimised and anxiety can be mitigated. Clark (1999) also highlighted that focus should also be levied on understanding the sources from which anxiety has been developed in any individual and likewise, planning for treating the same should be framed (Clark, 1999). Again, according to an article of American Psychological Association (2010) understanding effective treatment of anxiety disorder is quite crucial. In this regard, the article advocated the need for psychological treatment despite of the aspect that it may take more time to cure the disorder as compared to other forms of treatment process. With few months of psychological treatment, a person could be able to return to normal functionality. Improvement in the behavior of the patients is quite apparent with the use of this particular means of treatment. Psychological treatment intends to cure the cognitive aspect related to the brain of the humans. This treatment would assist the patient of the provided case to improve her brain functionality and minimise anxiety related symptoms (American Psychological Association, 2010). As per ADAA, (2014), effective treatment of the mental disorder can be ensured on the basis of different treatment procedure. This treatment can be in the form of pharmacological treatment, psychotherapy treatment, anxiety management courses, counselling and behavioural treatment among others. However, the study made it clear that the effectiveness of the form of treatment can differ based on the severity of the anxiety disorder of an individual. As per Stein (2006), ‘cognitive behavioural therapy’ (CBT) is quite effective in dealing with the problems of anxiety amid individuals. It works towards understanding the behavior of individual that influences anxiety within him/her and likewise, treatments or therapies are designed for the same. This can prove to be effective in mitigating anxiety related issues amid individuals. Contextually, CBT would be an effective measure based on which the patient of the provided case would be able to mitigate anxiety disorder. Additionally, the patient with the assistance of anxiety management courses and counselling would be facilitated in having a better understanding about symptoms and coping strategies based on which severity of anxiety can be mitigated during emergency (Stein, 2006). Conclusion From the overall analysis, it can be comprehended that health and well being of people living within the society are among the most prominent aspects that also decides on the ability of the society. However, different kind of diseases and disorders further enhance the level of concern of people towards their health obligations. Contextually, this particular essay mainly discussed about a particular health issues i.e. with consideration to a particular case study. The case highlighted some health complications of a young female who was not been able to conduct her daily living activities with convenience and effectiveness. Contextually, analysis suggested that the symptoms can be identified from the health complications of the female clearly portrays the existence of the case of anxiety. In this regard, focus had been laid upon understanding the social, behavioural and psychological basis of the disorder and likewise, the current management practices for dealing with disorder has been elaborately discussed. Hence, indeed it can be concluded that a thorough understanding has been gained and presented about anxiety and its implications. References American Psychological Association, 2014. Anxiety Disorder and Effective Treatment. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/anxiety-treatment.aspx [Accessed October 08, 2014]. American Psychiatric Association, 2014. DSM. Home.[Online] Available at: http://www.psychiatry.org/practice/dsm [Accessed October 08, 2014]. American Psychological Association, 2010. Understanding Anxiety Disorders and Effective Treatment. Publication.[Online] Available at: http://www.apapracticecentral.org/outreach/anxiety-disorders.pdf [Accessed October 08, 2014]. American Psychiatric Association, 2014. Anxiety Disorders. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.psychiatry.org/anxiety-disorders [Accessed October 08, 2014]. ADAA, 2014. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad [Accessed October 08, 2014]. ADAA, 2014. Treatment. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.adaa.org/finding-help/treatment [Accessed October 26, 2014]. Beck, A. T. & et. al.,1988. An Inventory for Measuring Clinical Anxiety: Psychometric Properties. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 56, No. 6, pp. 893-897. Baldwin, D. S. & et. al., 2005. Evidence-based Guidelines for the Pharmacological Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: Recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology. Journal of Psychopharmacology, Vol. 19, No. 6, pp. 567-596. Baumeiter, R. F. & Tice, D. M., 1990. Anxiety and Social Exclusion. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 165-195. Clark, D. M., 1999. Anxiety Disorders: Why They Persist and How to Treat Them. Behaviour Research and Therapy, Vol. 37, pp. 5-27. Dugas, M. J. & Robichaud, M., 2012. Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: From Science to Practice. Routledge. (Link: http://books.google.co.in/books?id=w67Ca2Jg0wAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Cognitive-Behavioural+Treatment+for+Generalized+Anxiety+Disorder:+From+Science+to+Practice&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GehMVNmBA4qF8gXWo4LACA&ved=0CBsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Cognitive-Behavioural%20Treatment%20for%20Generalized%20Anxiety%20Disorder%3A%20From%20Science%20to%20Practice&f=false) Health Media, 2014. 12 Signs You May Have an Anxiety Disorder. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20646990,00.html [Accessed October 08, 2014]. Kirmayer, L. J., 2001. Cultural Variations in the Clinical Presentation of Depression and Anxiety: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment. J Clin Psychiatry, Vol. 62, pp. 22-30. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2014. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia). Basics.[Online] Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20032524 [Accessed October 08, 2014]. Patient.co.uk, No Date. Anxiety. Health Information.[Online] Available at: http://www.patient.co.uk/health/anxiety [Accessed October 08, 2014]. Rygh, J. L. & Sanderson, W. C., 2004. Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Evidence-based Strategies, Tools, and Techniques. Guilford Press. (link: http://books.google.co.in/books?id=3Q93L-dSSHQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Treating+Generalized+Anxiety+Disorder:+Evidence-based+Strategies,+Tools,+and+Techniques&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GOlMVM2nA5bt8gXxp4DQCg&ved=0CBsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Treating%20Generalized%20Anxiety%20Disorder%3A%20Evidence-based%20Strategies%2C%20Tools%2C%20and%20Techniques&f=false ) Rogers, R., 2012. Clinical Assessment of Malingering and Deception, Third Edition. Guilford Press. Stein, D. J., 2006. Evidence-Based Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, Vol. 10, pp. 16-21. Simpson, H. B. & et. al., 2010. Anxiety Disorders: Theory, Research and Clinical Perspectives. Cambridge University Press. UBM Medica, 2014. Tools for Assessing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/articles/tools-assessing-generalized-anxiety-disorder [Accessed October 26, 2014]. WebMD, 2014. Anxiety & Panic Disorders Health Center. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disorders [Accessed October 08, 2014]. Read More