Background and Client Profile
The client has had a difficult family situation since, in July 2022, one got into a foster family. It happened as a result of constant absenteeism and lack of supervision of the patient. As a result, Tessa needed to provide a new environment in order to control her actions effectively. The client is 21 years old, female, Caucasian, and of average socioeconomic status. It is formulated by the fact that the client does not have a high income; in addition, one does not strive for training and getting a good job.
Medical History and Behavioral Issues
Tessa’s medical history includes some mental and drug problems. Drugs are known to have a negative impact on mental health and can lead to severe impairment, depression, and mental disorders (Mwebe, 2021). Tessa had outbursts of rage and aggression, and in some cases, turned into severe form. For example, sometimes Tessa could injure someone or destroy some property during aggression. In addition, the client had suicidal thoughts, which articulates an urgent need for constant monitoring. Tessa also displayed verbal aggression, disobedience, disrespect, and other aspects that went beyond normal behavior.
Impact of Psychoactive Substances
It is worth noting that the use of psychoactive substances causes irritability, sleep and appetite disorders, behavioral abnormalities, and sexual disorders. Drugs lead to affective disorders that can occur under the guise of dysthymia, depression, and bipolar disorder (Mwebe, 2021). The effect of drugs on the psyche of an addict can be seen after the first use.
With each new dose, the psychological state of the dependent person worsens, and not only emotional swings appear but also other side effects from drugs, namely paranoia, panic attacks, outbursts of rage, and aggression. The psyche is shaken due to the constant use of narcotic substances, and a person cannot distinguish illusion from reality, control one’s actions, and think clearly. As a result, as one might notice, Tessa’s mental health is markedly abnormal, which articulates a need for control.
Developmental and Educational Challenges
Speaking of developmental delays, Tessa did not have any manifestations of this disorder. The only driving force behind the client’s mental breakdown is an unfortunate relationship with the mother and drug use. The patient does not have any academic success as one constantly skipped classes. Moreover, due to unacceptable behavior and aggression towards others, Tessa was sent home from school and deprived of privileges.
Cultural and Legal Context
In addition, there are no obvious cultural factors that could affect Tessa. The legal history does not have severe violations of the law or involvement in the police; however, there were episodes of urgent hospitalization during outbreaks of aggression. The exploitation story also does not have any episodes since Tessa was never employed.
Mental Health History and Current Issues
A relevant mental health history includes current problems and a formulated problem area. Namely, Tessa demonstrates outbursts of aggression up to the destruction of property and assault, disrespect, verbal aggression, and being out of control. In addition, the client had suicidal thoughts, and while in the foster home, one threatened other brothers and sisters, and threatening behavior was also demonstrated at school. Against this background, acute emotional outbursts, self-mutilation, and suicidal thoughts occurred periodically. All this led to the fact that Tessa was repeatedly hospitalized urgently, which formulate the need for constant monitoring.
Family and Social Relationships
Family relations are shaped by communication with relatives in the foster home, however, Tessa is not provided by communication with relatives. Social relations are also not developed because there are outbreaks of aggression toward others. It articulates the impossibility for Tessa to build any close social bonds. As already indicated, the client has problems with drug use, which has left a mark on their mental health (Stevens, 2020). Previous diagnoses include violent outbursts and emotional outbursts, and life stresses are articulated by poor relationships with the mother.
Case Study and Research Needs
The individual was defined as being “in need” since this case is characteristic of an action research study. It includes the background, namely the backstory of this situation, which includes a bad relationship with the mother that led to deviations. Moreover, the client demonstrates severe uncontrolled outbursts of aggression and mental disorders provoked, including drugs.
Problem Identification and Root Causes
The case formulates the types of problems that have brought attention to the individual, namely cases of assault and destruction of property during violent outbursts. The nature of problems is characterized by their duration, namely by long-term issues. The root cause lies in the use of drugs, which shatters the psyche of the individual. Moreover, it includes a bad relationship with the mother, which has led to social barriers and mental disorders.
Interactions and Monitoring Needs
Information about individuals who have been working with the person implies Tessa’s communication objects. These include the family of origin and adoptive relatives who have been threatened. In addition, the client communicated with classmates and teachers. By the latter, Tessa had exhibited aggression, disrespect, and threatening behavior. All this formulates the need for long-term work and communication with mental health providers. Moreover, constant patient monitoring is necessary to avoid the consequences of suicidal thoughts.
Recommended Interventions
Intervention in the form of psychotherapeutic and drug treatment is necessary, as well as monitoring of the client’s condition. This action research plan would potentially be beneficial since it visualized the problem area and outlined possible interventions. In addition, potential root causes of this situation were outlined, namely poor relations with relatives and drug use.
References
Stevens, C. (2020). The drug expert: A practical guide to the impact of drug use in legal proceedings. Academic Press.
Mwebe, H. (2021). Psychopharmacology: A mental health professional’s guide to commonly used medications. (2nd ed.). Critical Publishing.