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Suicide Case Study

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Instructions

This case study consists of one hypothetical patient situation. After watching the video, you should answer several questions about patient care. You can use outside materials to help you.

In your answers, you should make specific reference to relevant guidelines and other clinical information. The national guidelines also should be considered with treatment plans.

You can access an informative video and other details about the patient using the tabs. When you are done viewing the patient information, download the Case Study Questions document from the assignment page in Moodle. Use this document to complete the assignment and then submit it in the course assignment page.

Patient 1: Mr. C

Mr. C Video Transcript
Patient Facts

Psych HX

  • Some elementary school problems with bullying and resulting encounters with school counselor.
  • Showed increasing problems with lying and stealing as a youngster.
  • Recommended mental health counseling, but parents never followed up.
  • One previous suicide attempt at age 27 resulting in three-day hospital stay.
  • Intermittently compliant with outpatient treatment.
  • Stopped taking escitalopram 20mg several months ago because of sexual side effects.

Labs

  • Total Cholesterol: 220
  • Triglycerides: 172
  • SGOT (AST): 48
  • SGPT (ALT): 36
  • HGB: 16.5gm/dl
  • HCT: 45%
  • Na: 134
  • K: 3.2
  • Free T4: 1.1
  • TSH: 3.2
Questions
  1. What is your diagnostic formulation? How does the diagnosis(es) meet DSM criteria?
  2. What are your rule-outs (differentials)?
  3. What screening/assessment tools would you use (if any) and why?
  4. Discuss the etiology of your major psychiatric diagnosis(es) and the psychological underpinnings.
  5. Discuss the epidemiology associated with your diagnostic formulation.
  6. Discuss medical concerns (if any) and suggested interventions.
  7. What would be your therapeutic interventions while the patient is in the hospital? Outpatient? Include both psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic interventions. Be specific and evidence based when determining your treatment strategies.
  8. Discuss key points that might be considered when interviewing this patient considering his diagnosis(es).
  9. What should you keep in mind about counter-transference issues that might come up with this type of client? How would you manage your feelings and minimize impact on the therapeutic process?
  10. Give the prognostic factors associated with your diagnostic formulation.
  11. Discuss the risk assessment for this gentleman.
  12. As a resource for nursing staff, what factors would you keep in mind when consulting with them around the care of this patient?
Activity is complete.