Evidence-Based Treatment Protocol

Evidence-based practices are the core of treatment protocols for mental health disorders for justice-involved individuals. As a human services professional, you need to be able to analyze evidence-based practices for mental health intervention and treatment.

Refer to the scenario Scenario 2

Anna had a long history of severe mental illness dating back more than 20 years. During her first depressive episode, she had killed her baby while suffering psychotic symptoms. She also made two serious suicide attempts. Anna has been divorced twice and now lives alone in federally subsidized home. She has an adult daughter who is deaf and severely handicapped. Prior to her last arrest, her daughter lived at home, and Anna cared for her with help from local social services. Her daughter was placed in residential care when Anna was incarcerated. Because of the previous infanticide, social services had always monitored the situation regarding risk factors for her daughter’s safety; however, this was less of an issue now that her daughter was an adult. Anna’s illness history is characterized mainly by depressive episodes with psychotic features. She had experienced episodes of paranoid thoughts when she believed her neighbors knew all about the past and she was reluctant to go out because she felt persecuted. Anna felt extreme guilt at having killed her child. When psychotic, she would shout that she was evil and deserved to be punished. It seemed that the guilt had affected her considerably to manifest in a negative self-concept. Even when well, Anna never spontaneously talked about herself in a positive manner.

Primary Diagnosis:

Major Depressive Disorder – recurrent, severe, with psychotic features. DSM-5 296.35, ICD-10 (F33.3)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). DSM-5 300.02, ICD-10 (F41.1)You are continuing in your role as a human services professional working at a psychological treatment center in a local correctional facility. You will be assisting your supervisor to research and determine an appropriate treatment protocol for the client in your chosen scenario.
Research common treatment interventions and practices for the disorder in your chosen scenario.

Create a 12 slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation regarding evidence-based treatment protocols for the disorder in your chosen scenario. If necessary details are missing from the case study, fill in the gaps with information from your research. For your presentation, you must:

Describe 3 possible evidence-based treatment protocols for the justice-involved individual. Include the following for each:
What interventions are common in this treatment protocol?
What is necessary for this treatment to be successful?
What are the benefits of this treatment?
What are the drawbacks of this treatment?
Propose 1 treatment protocol for the client.
Use the research you conducted to support your proposal.
Provide support for your reasons for choosing this treatment protocol for this client.

find the cost of your paper

Sample Answer

 

 

Evidence-Based Treatment Protocols for Anna

Slide 1

Title Slide

  • Centered Text: Evidence-Based Treatment Protocols for Anna
  • Bottom Right: Your Name & Affiliation (e.g., Jane Doe, Human Services Professional)

Speaker Notes Good morning/afternoon everyone. Today, we will be discussing evidence-based treatment protocols for a client named Anna, who is currently incarcerated and has a history of severe mental illness.

Slide 2

Client Background

  • Image: Line drawing of a person sitting with head in hands

  • Bullet Points:

    • Long history of severe mental illness (20+ years)
    • First depressive episode with psychotic features led to infanticide
    • Two prior suicide attempts
    • Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (recurrent, severe, with psychotic features) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder
    • Adult daughter in residential care due to Anna’s incarceration
    • Social services monitoring due to past incident

Full Answer Section

 

 

 

Anna has a complex history marked by mental illness and tragic events. Understanding this background is crucial for selecting appropriate treatment protocols.

Slide 3

Treatment Considerations

  • Image: Scales of Justice with a brain image superimposed on one side

  • Bullet Points:

    • Addressing trauma
    • Reducing risk of re-offending
    • Improving mental health stability
    • Promoting self-care and positive coping mechanisms
    • Supporting family reunification (if appropriate)

Speaker Notes Given Anna’s circumstances, treatment should address various aspects. We need to consider the trauma she’s experienced, ensure public safety, improve her mental health, teach her healthy coping skills, and explore possibilities for family reconnection.

Slide 4

Treatment Protocol 1: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Image: Person looking in a mirror with thought bubbles containing positive affirmations

  • Bullet Points:

    • Common interventions:
      • Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns
      • Developing coping skills for managing depression and anxiety
      • Behavioral activation to increase positive activities
    • Success factors:
      • Active client participation
      • Skilled therapist
      • Regular sessions

Speaker Notes CBT is a well-established treatment for depression and anxiety. Through CBT, Anna can learn to identify negative thoughts that contribute to her mental state and replace them with more realistic and positive ones. She can also develop coping skills to manage her symptoms and engage in activities that promote well-being. However, CBT requires active participation from Anna and a skilled therapist for success.

Slide 5

Benefits and Drawbacks of CBT

  • Image: Split image with a checkmark on one side and an X on the other

  • CBT Benefits:

    • Effective in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms
    • Teaches practical coping skills
    • Evidence-based approach
  • CBT Drawbacks:

    • Requires active client participation
    • May not address underlying trauma effectively
    • Might not be suitable for individuals with severe psychotic features

Speaker Notes CBT has numerous benefits, but it’s important to acknowledge potential drawbacks. While CBT can significantly improve Anna’s mental health, it might not fully address her trauma or be the most effective approach for her psychotic episodes.

Slide 6

Treatment Protocol 2: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Image: Person standing on a tightrope, balancing

  • Bullet Points:

    • Common interventions:
      • Mindfulness training
      • Distress tolerance skills
      • Emotion regulation skills
      • Interpersonal effectiveness skills
    • Success factors:
      • Individual therapy and group skills training
      • Strong therapist-client relationship
      • Commitment to treatment

Speaker Notes DBT is another evidence-based treatment, particularly effective for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits, which can sometimes co-occur with depression and anxiety. DBT focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal communication skills. This comprehensive approach can equip Anna with the tools to manage her emotions, tolerate distress, and build healthier relationships. However, DBT requires a strong therapist-client relationship and commitment from Anna for success.

Slide 7

Benefits and Drawbacks of DBT

  • Image: Split image with a checkmark on one side and an X on the other

  • DBT Benefits:

    • Effective for individuals with BPD traits
    • Teaches a wide range of coping skills
    • Can improve emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships
  • DBT Drawbacks:

    • Requires intensive treatment commitment (individual and group)
    • May not be readily available in all correctional settings
    • Focus on BPD skills might not fully address Anna’s specific needs

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