Josh's Anchoring Diagnosis: A Case Study
Anchoring Diagnosis
Josh’s anchoring diagnosis is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD are most prevalent within Josh’s life and will be best treated utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Nomothetic Formulation of the Anchoring Diagnosis In order to qualify for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), there is long list of symptoms that are to be experienced by the individual. The primary symptoms of PTSD are intrusive thoughts and memories of the traumatic event (Leahy & Holland, 2000, p. 265). According to Leahy and Holland (2000), these memories can occur through nightmares and flashbacks happening at any time in which the person relives the situation (p. 265). Ultimately, these “attacks” are considered a type …show more content…
of reenactment of the trauma, which can be traumatizing on its own (Leahy and Holland, 2009). These attacks can also occur through triggers such as a specific noise or simply being in the area in which the trauma occurred. According to Leahy and Holland (2009), often times, individuals who experience a tragedy, such as the loss of a loved one, avoidance of certain areas is highly likely. This causes isolation and a constant state of hyper vigilance within their environment (p. 265). According to Lancaster, Melka, Rodriguez, and Bryant, (2014), symptomology can differ with type of trauma. While one person experiences trauma and develops PTSD, another with the same trauma can move forward quicker without symptomology. The difference is the protective factors that individuals have been able to establish throughout their years. It is also very common for individuals who experience a traumatizing event to have negative changes in cognition and/or mood (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p.
275). A traumatic event can alter the way a person views their surroundings making them irritable or angry to the outside world. Common persistent negative views of themselves can occur such as, shame and guilt, which can cause further distortions in the persons overall functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 275). It is important to note that PTSD can occur at any age. It is only required that the symptoms be met for each individual for a diagnosis to be considered. Furthermore, symptoms can vary from person to person and with age. For example, an adult may present with anger while a child may have crying spells. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. …show more content…
271-275). Experiencing the death of a loved one is an especially difficult trauma for individuals to move forward from (Boelen, 2010). The concept of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is one that people experience after someone dear to them has died without warning (Boelen, 2010). These individuals constantly experience stress of perceiving situations that have not occurred yet, as already having a negative effect. This is also a cognitive vulnerability in which the individual is constantly looking or anticipating for all events to be bad and their doing (Boelen, 2010). This form of PTSD is debilitating in nature such that new relationships are avoided and moving forward is seen as placing a burden on those around them. Without proper treatment, it can cause significant impairments within multiple facets of their lives. It is clear that Josh’s diagnosis of PTSD is one that fits well given all of his symptomology.
Other relevant nomothetic formulations: According to Leahy and Holland (2009), approximately 30% of individuals who develop PTSD attribute the disorder to genetics (p.
266). Specifically, certain genotypes can either provide a protective or increased risk of PTSD after exposure to traumatic event (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 277). Furthermore, prior diagnosis of mood disorders can also be considered an increased risk for developing PTSD. For example, if a child or adolescent is diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety, they are most likely to develop PTSD if a trauma is experienced (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, P. 277; Leahy & Holland, 2009, p. 266). Although there can be a predisposition that may contribute to the development of PTSD, it is the traumatic event that makes it
so.
Josh’s anchoring diagnosis is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD are most prevalent within Josh’s life and will be best treated utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Nomothetic Formulation of the Anchoring Diagnosis In order to qualify for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), there is long list of symptoms that are to be experienced by the individual. The primary symptoms of PTSD are intrusive thoughts and memories of the traumatic event (Leahy & Holland, 2000, p. 265). According to Leahy and Holland (2000), these memories can occur through nightmares and flashbacks happening at any time in which the person relives the situation (p. 265). Ultimately, these “attacks” are considered a type …show more content…
of reenactment of the trauma, which can be traumatizing on its own (Leahy and Holland, 2009). These attacks can also occur through triggers such as a specific noise or simply being in the area in which the trauma occurred. According to Leahy and Holland (2009), often times, individuals who experience a tragedy, such as the loss of a loved one, avoidance of certain areas is highly likely. This causes isolation and a constant state of hyper vigilance within their environment (p. 265). According to Lancaster, Melka, Rodriguez, and Bryant, (2014), symptomology can differ with type of trauma. While one person experiences trauma and develops PTSD, another with the same trauma can move forward quicker without symptomology. The difference is the protective factors that individuals have been able to establish throughout their years. It is also very common for individuals who experience a traumatizing event to have negative changes in cognition and/or mood (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p.
275). A traumatic event can alter the way a person views their surroundings making them irritable or angry to the outside world. Common persistent negative views of themselves can occur such as, shame and guilt, which can cause further distortions in the persons overall functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 275). It is important to note that PTSD can occur at any age. It is only required that the symptoms be met for each individual for a diagnosis to be considered. Furthermore, symptoms can vary from person to person and with age. For example, an adult may present with anger while a child may have crying spells. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. …show more content…
271-275). Experiencing the death of a loved one is an especially difficult trauma for individuals to move forward from (Boelen, 2010). The concept of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is one that people experience after someone dear to them has died without warning (Boelen, 2010). These individuals constantly experience stress of perceiving situations that have not occurred yet, as already having a negative effect. This is also a cognitive vulnerability in which the individual is constantly looking or anticipating for all events to be bad and their doing (Boelen, 2010). This form of PTSD is debilitating in nature such that new relationships are avoided and moving forward is seen as placing a burden on those around them. Without proper treatment, it can cause significant impairments within multiple facets of their lives. It is clear that Josh’s diagnosis of PTSD is one that fits well given all of his symptomology.
Other relevant nomothetic formulations: According to Leahy and Holland (2009), approximately 30% of individuals who develop PTSD attribute the disorder to genetics (p.
266). Specifically, certain genotypes can either provide a protective or increased risk of PTSD after exposure to traumatic event (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 277). Furthermore, prior diagnosis of mood disorders can also be considered an increased risk for developing PTSD. For example, if a child or adolescent is diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety, they are most likely to develop PTSD if a trauma is experienced (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, P. 277; Leahy & Holland, 2009, p. 266). Although there can be a predisposition that may contribute to the development of PTSD, it is the traumatic event that makes it
so.