Diagnoses, Treatment and Medication of Mental Disorder - Essay Example

Diagnoses, Treatment and Medication of Mental Disorder s affiliation Diagnoses, Treatment and Medication of Mental Disorder Introduction Mental disorders are conditions that disrupt an individual’s thinking, moods and feelings. A person suffering from a mental disorder relates poorly with other people and has a lower capacity to cope with every day’s aspects of life. Serious mental disorders include; bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, depression, panic disorder, among others. With proper medication, an individual can recover from mental disorder. Mental disorder can affect people from any race, religion, status or age. Treatments administered to individuals suffering from mental disorders include; medication, interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and support from peers (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2014). Case study; David’s mental disorder David, a ten year old boy has been in mental health treatment and medication from the age of five. David resides with his parents at a place known as Osceola. DCF has consistently been following up on the family for five years. The family was charged for neglect. David is usually unsupervised and spends most of his time in the swamp. David’s mother suffers from schizophrenia, but complies with her medication. However, she spends most her time lying on the couch. On the other hand, David’s father is a marijuana addict, but he is under medication. David has neither friends nor siblings. David usually has a difficult moment in school because he does not understand school instructions and work. He does not pay attention to what is taught and recalls only a few aspects. For the last few years, David has gained 25 lbs, and has changed from being skinny to overweight. On numerous occasions, he has been suffering encopresis, thus sent home from school. Initially, he used to get involved in accidents seven to ten times per week, but through behavioral intervention, the occurrences of accidents have reduced to three times a week. He usually causes chaos in school and when reprimanded, he usually thinks that the person who did so is crazy. This clearly shows that David cannot differentiate between right and wrong act. Analysis of the case According to Smith & Segal (2014), bipolar disorder is a form of mental illness. People diagnosed with such disorder experience extreme changes in moods, behavior and thoughts. In this case, one’s moods can shifts from an extreme manic episode to an extreme depression. During a manic episode, an individual has irritable moods, thus has the urge to cause chaos. During a depression mode, an individual may decide to keep quiet for a long time or feel hopeless. Manic episodes may last for one week, but lessen with proper medication. Bipolar disorders appear differently in distinct individuals. The symptoms vary broadly in relation to severity, pattern and frequency of the behavior. Some individuals are more prone to either depression or mania. Other individuals experience both, but alternate such episodes. Some people experience mood disruptions frequently, whereas others have few over their lifetime. The major signs and symptoms of mania episodes include; extreme irritability, unrealistic beliefs of one’s abilities, racing thoughts, inability to concentrate, acting recklessly without putting into consideration the consequences, and hallucinations in severe cases. On the other hand, signs and symptoms of bipolar depression include; weight changes brought about by variation in appetite, insomnia, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, loss of energy, less concentration or memory problems, and thoughts of committing suicide. A combination of both episodes results to depression combined with irritability, agitation, insomnia and distractibility. More so, a combination of low mood and high energy may result to a high risk of suicide (Smith & Segal, 2014). As established by Kaneshiro, 2012), encopresis is the unintentional or intentional passage of stools, usually in children over four years of age. The condition causes soiling of clothes. Encopresis is usually associated with fecal impaction and constipation. In this case, hard fecal substances remain in the colon, and the kid only excretes a semi- liquid stool. Leakage of the stool may take place at night or during the day. Encopresis may also be caused by emotional disturbances like oppositional insolent disorder, lack of toilet training, demeanor disorder or toilet training at a very tender age. Symptoms associated with encopresis include: bowel inconsistence or inability to hold feces, passage of stool in inappropriate places such as clothes constipation and secretive behavior that is associated with extraction of stool. A child suffering from encopresis may experience low esteem, chronic constipation and peer disapproval. ADHD is a behavioral disorder that is frequently diagnosed in childhood. The disorder is characterized by impulsive, inattention and hyperactive behaviors. Such symptoms usually take place together, but sometimes one symptom may take place without the others. The symptoms of hyperactivity are evident by the age of 7. On the other hand, the attention- deficit symptoms are usually evident when a child reaches the age of joining elementary school. ADHD is divided into three major types, which include; ADHD combined type, ADHD hyperactive or impulsive type and ADHD distractible or inattentive type. The ADHD combined type is characterized by a mix of hyperactive and inattention behaviors. On the other hand, the ADHD impulsive type is characterized by hyperactive behaviors only. The ADHD inattentive type is characterized by distractive behaviors (The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 2014). Research shows that ADHD is hereditary. It is a disorder that affects the brain. In this case, low amount of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter, brings about ADHD in young children. According to ‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,’ approximately 7.7% of children between ages 3 and 17 have been verified to have ADHD at one point in their lives (Cited in the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 2014).The common symptoms of combined ADHD include; short attention span, poor study skills, forgetfulness, easily distracted, interrupting people, usually taking risks without putting into consideration the consequences, always in constant motion, inability to stick to one task at a time, talking excessively, among others. As stated by Internet Brands. Inc (2014), ‘Disrupted Behavior disorders Not Otherwise Specified’ is word used to depict a pattern of extreme troublesome behaviors, which does not incorporate the terms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorder. Symptoms of Disruptive Behavior Disorder include; vengeful behaviors, having temper tantrums regularly, in ability to feel accountable for a bad behavior, being aggressive towards people or animals, bullying and constant breaking of rules. ‘Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS’ can be brought about by both environmental and biological factors. In this case, the disorder can be hereditary or result from a child being exposed to unhealthy or stressful environment. A patient suffering from such condition in this case David, ought to be given medicines such as Strattera, Seroquel, Depakote, mineral oil and Zoloft. Such medication may have side effects towards the patients. In this case, Seroquel medicine whose generic name is quetiapine is an oral drug that is used to treat health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Seroquel hinders communication within the nerves of the brain. It does so by obstructing receptors found on the nerves. Seroquel can cause low blood pressure, and may worsen depression, suicidal thoughts or other mental symptoms in children under the age of 25. Thus, the medication is not recommended for children below the age of 10 years old (Omudhome, 2014). Strattera (atomexine) is a medication administered to patients suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Common side effects associated with Strattera include; decreased appetite, upset stomach, urinating, nausea, trouble sleeping and dizziness. Interaction with monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as Sulfate, flouxetine, among others may severely damage the liver (Williams, 2014). Zoloft whose generic name is Sertraline belongs to a group of drugs known as ‘selective serotonin re- uptake inhibitors.’ Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced by the nerve cells, found in the brain. Serotonin is used in the communication of nerves. It is believed that health conditions like depression are brought about by imbalance between serotonin and other essential neurotransmitters. In such cases, Sertraline ought to be administered so as to restore the balance. However, individuals below the age of 25 may experience deteriorating depression, suicidal thought or other mood changes (Medicine Net. com, 2014). Depakote is a medication used to treat manic episodes that are linked to bipolar disorders. The side effects of Depakote include; mood swings, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal body movement and agitation. In addition, mineral oil, which is a home ready for relieving constipation, is usually taken orally as a laxative. It is used to soften hard stool. Diarrhea is as side effect associated with the intake of mineral oil. Thus, one ought to take a lot of water in order to prevent dehydration (Medicine Net, com, 2014). David may be suffering from depression, mood swings and agitation that are caused by the administered drugs. More so, the encopresis may be as a result of diarrhea brought about by the intake of mineral oil. In addition, initial decrease in appetite may have been brought Strattera medicine. To curb such side effects, one ought to get rid of mineral oil because it may accelerate the encopresis. More so, one ought to get rid of sequel because it is fatal to individual under the age of 25years. In this case, it lowers the blood pressure, worsens depression, and to some extend it exacerbates the mental disorder. In addition, one ought to reduce the dosage of depakote so as to minimize agitation and vomiting. Instead of mineral oil, a medical practitioner should recommend high intake of water so as soften the stool and prevent dehydration. In addition to medication such as Zoloft, Depakote and strattera, one ought to administer tricyclics so as to make mood stabilizers more available to the neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephine. At a micro level, a social worker ought to empower the patient. This will help him have control over his environment. In this case, the social worker should find out the factors that agitate, irritate or depress the patient, and offer possible solutions to the patient. To hasten cure, the patient ought to be taken to a mental institution so as to receive proper medication and attention from specialized health practitioners. In this case, the mental health practitioners will comply with medication and be able to control the behavior of the patient. However, the social worker in charge of the patient ought to conduct regular follow ups. More so the patient ought to be taken to a school meant for the mentally ill individuals. At a messo level, there ought to be collaboration between the mental institution and general hospitals. In this case, the general hospital ought to deliver medicines on time, offer essential information regarding the administered drugs, among others. On the other hand, the mental institution should inform the general hospitals about the reaction of the medicine administered, progress of the patient, among others. More so, the institution ought to provide counseling services to the patient. Counseling is important because it helps the client manage their problem, thus become better individuals in the society. At macro- level, the government should provide enough funds to the mental institution. This will ensure that the mental institution has well trained practitioners, adequate facilities and medicine. More so, the government should ensure that general hospitals have adequate staff and medicine so as to enhance the cure of mental disorders. In conclusion, a family, community and the government should take part in the treatment of an individual suffering from mental disorder. More so, one should not ignore minor mental disorders because they may result to major mental conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, among others. Proper medication can cure mental disorder, thus a patient ought to be given the right medicine, counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. References Internet Brands. Inc (2014). Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS. Retrieved from http://www.allaboutcounseling.com/library/disruptive-behavior-disorder-nos/ Kaneshiro, N. K. (2012, January8). Encopresis. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001570.htm Medicine Net.com (2014, March 3). Sertraline- oral, Zoloft. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/sertraline-oral/article.htm National Alliance on Mental Illness (2014). Mental illness. Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=about_mental_illness Omudhome, O., (2014). Quetiapine, Seroquel, Seroquel XR. Medicine Net. com. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/quetiapine/article.htm Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2014). Bipolar disorder signs and symptoms. Help guide. Org. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. (2014). Attention- Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Retrieved from http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/pediatrics/common_childhood_illness/mental_health_conditions/adhd/Pages/index.aspx Williams, E. (2014). Strattera side effects center. Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/strattera-side-effects-drug-center.htm Read More