Instructions
Step 1: Read the following case study.
Logan was a 12-year-old boy who was referred to mental health care for long-standing anxiety about losing his parents and relatively recent fears about getting a severe disease.
Although his parents described a long history of anxiety, Logan’s acute problem began 5 weeks prior to the consultation, when he watched a television show about rare and fatal diseases. Afterward, he became scared that he might have a hidden disease. His parents reported three “panic attacks” in the prior month, marked by anxiety, dizziness, sweats, and shortness of breath. About that same time, Logan began to complain of frequent headaches and stomachaches. Logan’s own theory was that his bodily aches were caused by his fears about being ill and about his parents going away, but the pain was still uncomfortable. He insisted he was not scared about having more panic attacks but was petrified about being left sick and alone. These illness fears developed several times a week, usually when Logan was in bed, when he “felt something” in his body, or when he heard about diseases.
Logan had begun to suffer from anxieties as a young child. Kindergarten was notable for intense separation difficulties. He was briefly bullied in third grade, which led to his first panic attacks and worsening anxiety. According to his parents, “there always seemed to be a new anxiety.” These included fear of the toilet, the dark, sleeping alone, being alone, and being pestered.
Logan’s most persistent fear revolved around his parents’ safety. He was generally fine when both were at work or at home, but when they were in transit, or anywhere else, he was generally afraid that they would die in an accident. When the parents were late from work or when they tried to go out together or on an errand without him, Logan became frantic, calling and texting incessantly. Logan was predominantly concerned about his mother’s safety, and she had gradually reduced her solo activities to a minimum. As she said, it felt like “he would like to follow me into the toilet.” Logan was less demanding toward his father, who said, “When we comfort him all the time or stay at home, he’ll never become independent.” He indicated that he believed his wife had been too soft and overprotective.
Logan’s developmental history was otherwise unremarkable. His grades were generally good. His teachers agreed that he was quiet but had several friends and collaborated well with other children. He was quick, however, to negatively interpret the intentions of other children. For example, he tended to be very sensitive to any indication that he was being picked on.
Logan’s family history was pertinent for panic disorder, agoraphobia, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia) in the mother. The maternal grandmother was described as “at least as” anxious as Logan’s mother. The father denied psychological disorders in his family.
On examination, Logan was a friendly, articulate boy who was cooperative and goal directed. He was generally in a “good mood” but cried when talking about his fears of dying and getting sick. He denied suicidality and hopelessness but indicated he was desperate to get over his problems before starting high school. His cognition was good. His insight and judgment appeared intact except as related to his anxiety issues.
(Adapted from Jongerden & Bögels)
Here is what you need to do.
Stp 2: Write a short paper addressing the following questions.
Based on what you have learned in this course, provide a plan for the psychological assessment and treatment of Logan.
Please specify what assessment strategies you might use (e.g., structured interview, standardized questionnaire). Provide hypotheses about possible DSM-5-TR diagnoses and what additional information you might require to rule-in or rule-out diagnoses.
Based on what you know from the case study and the diagnostic hypotheses you come up with, provide evidence-based treatment recommendations (including a treatment plan) and specify how you would measure Logan’s progress in treatment.
Your answer should be no more than 700 words.
(Hint: Since he demonstrates fears and worries) he probably has an anxiety disorder
use DSM-5-TR ! there is a big difference between DSM-5 AND DSM-5-TR
Maon yangu after reading this case study
The child has a separation anxiety disorder with panic attacks
Visit these link to see assesment strategies. Discuss several of them
https://www.studocu.com/en-us/document/the-university-of-arizona-global-campus/psychological-testing-and-assessment/week-3-discussion-case-studies-in-assessment/8436129
Incrporate thoughts from class notes and book and cite this class book
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Schneider, B. H. (2014)., B. H. (2014). Child psychopathology: From infancy to adolescence. Cambridge University Press.
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Sample Writing Guide:
Plan for the Psychological Assessment and Treatment of Logan
Based on the information presented in the case study, Logan is a 12-year-old boy who is referred to mental health care for his long-standing anxiety about losing his parents and recent fears about getting a severe disease. He is suffering from separation anxiety disorder and panic attacks, with symptoms including anxiety, dizziness, sweats, shortness of breath, frequent headaches, and stomachaches. He is also worried about his parents’ safety, which has resulted in him becoming frantic when they are out of sight.
Assessment Strategies
The first step in the assessment process is to gather information about Logan’s presenting symptoms and concerns. This can be done through a structured interview and the use of standardized questionnaires.
Structured Interview
The structured interview will involve conducting a comprehensive assessment of Logan’s symptoms and their impact on his daily life. This will include questions about the onset, duration, and severity of his symptoms, as well as any factors that may be contributing to or exacerbating his anxiety.
Standardized Questionnaires
Standardized questionnaires can be used to assess the severity of Logan’s symptoms and to identify any patterns or trends. These may include the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) or the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC).
Diagnostic Hypotheses
Based on the information gathered from the structured interview and standardized questionnaires, the following DSM-5-TR diagnoses may be considered for Logan:
Separation Anxiety Disorder (DSM-5-TR code 309.21)
This disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety about being separated from home or from those to whom the individual is attached, as well as persistent worries about harm coming to those with whom the individual is separated. Logan’s symptoms, including his anxieties about his parents’ safety and his panic attacks, are consistent with a diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder.
Panic Disorder (DSM-5-TR code 300.01)
This disorder is characterized by the presence of recurrent panic attacks that are not due to a medical condition, substance use, or medication. Logan’s symptoms of panic attacks, including anxiety, dizziness, sweats, and shortness of breath, are consistent with a diagnosis of panic disorder.
Social Anxiety Disorder (DSM-5-TR code 300.23)
This disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety in social situations and is sometimes referred to as social phobia. Logan’s tendency to negatively interpret the intentions of other children and his sensitivity to being picked on suggest that he may also have social anxiety disorder.
Additional Information Required
To rule in or rule out diagnoses, additional information may be required, including a thorough medical Assessment to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to Logan’s symptoms. This may include a physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
Evidence-Based Treatment Recommendations
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a well-established, evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders that involves helping individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. This can include exposure therapy, where Logan is gradually exposed to his feared situations, and cognitive restructuring, where he is helped to identify and challenge negative thoughts about these situations.
Family-Based Therapy
Given Logan’s close relationship with his parents and their significant impact on his anxiety, family-based therapy may be an effective treatment option. This may involve working with both Logan and his parents to address their concerns and develop effective coping strategies for managing his anxiety.
Treatment Plan
The recommended treatment plan for Logan would include 12-16 the recommended treatment plan for Logan would include a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves teaching the child new and more adaptive ways of thinking and coping with their anxieties. The focus of CBT would be to help Logan identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that are fueling his anxieties, and replace them with more positive and realistic ones. This would involve exploring his fears of getting sick or losing his parents and helping him understand that these fears are not based in reality.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) would involve gradually exposing Logan to situations that trigger his anxieties, and teaching him to tolerate the discomfort and anxiety that arise, rather than engaging in compulsive behaviors (such as excessive calling and texting) that only serve to maintain the anxiety. This could involve gradually increasing the duration of time spent away from his parents, and helping him learn how to cope with his anxieties during these times.
The treatment plan should also involve involving Logan’s parents, as they play an important role in his care and recovery. The parents would be educated on how to support and encourage Logan, without enabling his anxieties. This could involve setting and maintaining appropriate limits and boundaries, and helping him learn how to manage his anxieties in a healthy and adaptive way.
Measuring Progress in Treatment
To measure Logan’s progress in treatment, the following methods could be used:
Self-Report Measures: Logan would be asked to fill out self-report questionnaires or complete daily diary entries that track his level of anxiety, compulsive behaviors, and overall mood.
Observer Ratings: The therapist would observe Logan’s behavior and rate the severity of his anxieties and compulsive behaviors.
Behavioral Tracking: The therapist would keep track of the frequency and duration of Logan’s panic attacks, headaches, stomachaches, and compulsive behaviors.
Psychological Testing: The therapist may conduct psychological testing to assess the severity of Logan’s anxieties, as well as his cognitive abilities and overall functioning.
Based on these measures, the therapist would be able to monitor Logan’s progress in treatment and make necessary modifications to the treatment plan to ensure that he continues to improve.
Logan presents with a history of anxiety and panic attacks, and is in need of a comprehensive psychological assessment and treatment plan. The recommended plan would involve a combination of CBT and ERP, and involve the active participation of Logan’s parents. Progress in treatment would be measured using self-report measures, observer ratings, behavioral tracking, and psychological testing.
