Explain why you suggest this alternative and support your suggestion

there are 2 sections and it requires half a page each. First is the response to the discussion and then how to assess a patient for PTSD

Respond to at least two of your colleagues by providing one alternative therapeutic approach. Explain why you suggest this alternative and support your suggestion with evidence-based literature and/or your own experiences with clients.

Over 7% of American adults have post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Substance use disorder occurs in 26%-52% of all PTSD patients and opioids are the most common substance used (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012). William was a captain in the United States military and served in the Iraq war. Veterans of war have the highest rates of PTSD among military service people.

William is an 38-year old lawyer who has a wife and enjoys running, soccer, music and art collecting. William did live in New Jersey but became homeless when he was unable to pay his mortgage. He now lives with his brother and sister-in-law in Pasadena California. William is a lawyer but his job is in jeopardy because of alcohol and his PTSD. William and his wife share a home with Henry (his brother) and Rosita (sister-in law) and Maria age 82 who is Rosita’s mother. Henry is a film producer and is successful, Rosita has her PHD and is a professor and they have three children. Their children are Jia (22) a senior in college, Mario (19) a freshman in college and Zora (14) a high schooler who is drinking and doing drugs (Laureate education, 2012).

Behaviors that could be examined to produce the diagnosis of PTSD are seen William, including exposure to traumatic events and directly experiencing traumatic events. Other symptoms of PTSD include diminished interest in activities, feelings of detachment from others. Zora mentions her uncle William has trouble keeping a job, so his symptoms are noticed by the family. People with PTSD are hypervigilant and may have reckless behavior, difficulty concentrating. It is noted William is having trouble with his job due to his alcohol use and this is very common for people with PTSD to use substances. Impairments in social, occupational and family situations are common signs of PTSD (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Effective treatments for PTSD include psychosocial therapy and pharmacotherapies. Psychosocial therapy provides education of the issue and improvement in awareness of how problems can contribute to poor outcomes. Psychosocial therapy also assist in developing coping skills for clients with PTSD (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, 2012). Psychological interventions are the best course of treatment for PTSD. Supportive therapies including relaxation methods have shown effectiveness (Gerger, Munder & Barth, 2014).

Pharmacotherapies include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) sertraline and paroxetine are first line drug choices. Venlafaxine (SNRI) and tricycle anti -depressants such as imipramine & amitriptyline are also good choices in the treatment of PTSD. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine can be prescribed for PTSD when other therapies have not shown to be effective (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, 2012).

The outcome of psychosocial therapy should be learning coping skills and management of fear and anxiety. William can use many techniques to assist in his therapy including tapping (to lessen the anxiety), relaxation (to decrease stress) and family therapy (provide support at home) (Gerger, Munder & Barth, 2014). The combination of medications and therapy can help William and his family.

Secondly, explain how to assess a patient for PTSD.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed). Washington, D.C. : Author.

Gerger, H.; Munder, T. & Barth, J. (2014). Specific and nonspecific psychological interventions for PTSD symptoms: A meta-analysis with problem complexity as a moderator. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(7), 601-615. https://doi-org.exp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1002/jelp.22059.