Diagnosis for Valeria (Essay Sample)

Diagnosis for Valeria Student’s Name University Professor Course Date Diagnosis for Valeria Diagnosis Differential Diagnosis. Possible diagnoses for Valeria include: 1) Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Severe With Psychotic Features 300.4 (F32.2), Z62.820. 2) Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type 295.70 (F25.0), Z63.3 3) Anorexia Nervosa, Restricting Type 307.1 (F50.0), Z63.4 Matching Symptoms Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Severe with Psychotic Features (F32.2): Valeria exhibits many symptoms of depression, including tearfulness, low mood, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and suicidal ideation (Otsubo et al., 2021). The DSM-5 criterai for a major depressive episode includes having at least five of the following symptoms present for two weeks or more: depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type (F25.0): Valeria's symptoms could also be indicative of schizoaffective disorder. This diagnosis is given when a person has both features of a mood disorder (such as bipolar disorder) and features of schizophrenia. The symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. In order to meet the criteria for schizoaffective disorder, Valeria would need to have a major depressive episode, a manic episode, or a mixed episode, as well as at least two of the following: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, or grossly disorganized or catatonic behaviour. Anorexia Nervosa, Restricting Type (F50.01): Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by food restriction and intense fear of weight gain (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The DSM-5 criteria for anorexia nervosa include persistent restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight in relation to height and age, intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced, and amenorrhea (Engelhardt et al., 2021; Lewis & Nicholls, 2016). Valeria exhibits many of these symptoms, including food restriction, low body weight, and amenorrhea. She also has a strong fear of gaining weight. Primary Diagnosis Although Valeria meets the criteria for multiple disorders, her primary diagnosis would be anorexia nervosa, restricting type. This is because her symptoms are primarily related to her eating disorder and she does not meet the full criteria for either major depressive disorder or schizoaffective disorder (Engelhardt et al., 2021). Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness with potentially life-threatening consequences. It is important that Valeria receive treatment for her eating disorder as soon as possible. Importance Of Using an Interprofessional Approach in Treatment According to (Cui et al., 2021), It is important to use an interprofessional approach in treatment for Valeria because she has a complex mental illness that will require input from multiple professionals in order to be effectively treated. An interprofessional team could include a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, dietitian, and medical doctor. Each professional would bring their own expertise to the table and would be able to provide a different perspective on Valeria's illness and recovery. The psychiatrist would be responsible for prescribing medication and monitoring its efficacy. The psychologist would provide therapy and work on helping Valeria to understand her illness and develop coping strategies. The therapist would also provide support and guidance, and would likely focus on Valeria's relationship with food and her body. The dietitian would help Valeria to develop a healthy relationship with food and to develop a nutritious meal plan. The medical doctor would monitor Valeria's physical health and provide any necessary medical care. Using The Client’s Family to Support Recovery The client’s family can play a vital role in their recovery from an eating disorder. They can provide support, love, and understanding. They can also help to hold the person accountable for their behaviors and encourage them to stay on track with their treatment. I would use the client’s family to support recovery by involving them in treatment as much as possible. I would encourage them to be supportive of Valeria's decisions regarding their treatment and to be understanding if there are setbacks. The family can also help to create a positive home environment, free from judgment and criticism. They can provide healthy meals and encourage Valeria to be active. Evidence-Based, Focused Treatment Approach The best treatment for Valeria's eating disorder is a combination of medication and therapy. I would start by prescribing an antidepressant, which can help to reduce the symptoms of anorexia nervosa. I would also recommend that Valeria participate in individual therapy, which can help her to understand her illness and develop healthy coping strategies. I would focus on helping Valeria to develop a healthy relationship with food and her body. I would use techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure therapy. CBT and Individual therapy can help Valeria to identify and challenge her negative thoughts and behaviours related to her eating disorder (Dalle et al., 2021). They have been proven to be effective in the treatment of eating disorders. Relapse can occur in eating disorders, so it is important to provide Valeria with aftercare and support even after she has completed treatment (Khalsa et al., 2017). In case of a relapse, I would recommend that Valeria participate in partial hospitalization or a residential treatment program. These programs provide intensive treatment and can help to prevent a full-blown relapse. How Culture and Diversity influence Eating Disorders There are a number of factors that can influence the experience of living with an eating disorder. Culture and diversity can play a role in how these disorders develop and are experienced. For example, someone from a culture that values thinness may be more likely to develop an eating disorder. They may also be more likely to experience negative body image and to engage in unhealthy behaviours such as dieting and purging. Someone from a culture that values food and the pleasure of eating may be less likely to develop an eating disorder. T...