Describe each client (without violating HIPAA regulations), and identify any pertinent history or medical information, including prescribed medications.

Psychotherapy with group | Nursing homework help

Practicum Journal Entry 10

Client 1:

The client is a 13-year-old female who attended the group therapy session. She was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, and her symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities she once enjoyed, difficulty sleeping, and low self-esteem. She has a history of suicide attempts and is currently taking prescribed medication, Prozac, for her symptoms. During the session, she seemed withdrawn and disinterested in participating, often looking down at the floor and avoiding eye contact with others. She only spoke when asked a direct question by the therapist.

Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Severe

Legal and ethical implications: As a counselor, I have an obligation to report any signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation to the appropriate authorities to ensure the safety of the client. Additionally, it is important to maintain confidentiality and only disclose information to those who have a need to know.

Client 2:

The client is a 15-year-old male who also attended the group therapy session. He was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and his symptoms include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty with sustained attention. He has a history of behavioral issues at school and is currently taking prescribed medication, Adderall, for his symptoms. During the session, he seemed restless and fidgety, often interrupting others when they spoke and struggling to stay focused on the topic at hand.

Diagnosis: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Presentation

Legal and ethical implications: It is important to ensure that the client’s rights are protected and that any accommodations necessary for their condition are provided. Additionally, it is important to maintain confidentiality and only disclose information to those who have a need to know.

Evidence-based literature supports the use of group therapy for the treatment of both major depressive disorder and ADHD in children and adolescents. In a study by Tamm et al. (2018), group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy was found to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in children. Similarly, a meta-analysis by McLeod et al. (2016) found that group therapy was an effective treatment option for children and adolescents with depression.

References:

McLeod, B. D., Jensen-Doss, A., Tully, C. B., Southam-Gerow, M. A., Weisz, J. R., & Kendall, P. C. (2016). The relation between therapist-level longitudinal adherence and outcome in the treatment of depression in youth. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 84(10), 867–877. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000131

Tamm, L., Epstein, J. N., Peugh, J. L., Nakonezny, P. A., & Hughes, C. W. (2018). A randomized controlled trial of group cognitive-behavioral therapy compared to a general attention control for adolescents with ADHD. Journal of attention disorders, 22(8), 776–788. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054716685844