case study examples for depression

Mental Health Case Study: Understanding Depression through a Real-life Example

Through the lens of a gripping real-life case study, we delve into the depths of depression, unraveling its complexities and shedding light on the power of understanding mental health through individual experiences. Mental health case studies serve as invaluable tools in our quest to comprehend the intricate workings of the human mind and the various conditions that can affect it. By examining real-life examples, we gain profound insights into the lived experiences of individuals grappling with mental health challenges, allowing us to develop more effective strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and support.

The Importance of Case Studies in Understanding Mental Health

Case studies play a crucial role in the field of mental health research and practice. They provide a unique window into the personal narratives of individuals facing mental health challenges, offering a level of detail and context that is often missing from broader statistical analyses. By focusing on specific cases, researchers and clinicians can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental health conditions.

One of the primary benefits of using real-life examples in mental health case studies is the ability to humanize the experience of mental illness. These narratives help to break down stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health conditions, fostering empathy and understanding among both professionals and the general public. By sharing the stories of individuals who have faced and overcome mental health challenges, case studies can also provide hope and inspiration to those currently struggling with similar issues.

Depression, in particular, is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Disability Function Report Example Answers for Depression and Bipolar: A Comprehensive Guide offers valuable insights into how depression can impact daily functioning and the importance of accurate reporting in disability assessments. By examining depression through the lens of a case study, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of its manifestations, challenges, and potential treatment approaches.

Understanding Depression

Before delving into our case study, it’s essential to establish a clear understanding of depression and its impact on individuals and society. Depression is a complex mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. It can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being.

Some common symptoms of depression include:

– Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood – Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism – Irritability – Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities – Decreased energy or fatigue – Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions – Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping) – Appetite and weight changes – Physical aches or pains without clear physical causes – Thoughts of death or suicide

The prevalence of depression worldwide is staggering. According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression globally. It is a leading cause of disability and contributes significantly to the overall global burden of disease. The impact of depression extends far beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and economies.

Depression can have profound consequences on an individual’s quality of life, relationships, and ability to function in daily activities. It can lead to decreased productivity at work or school, strained personal relationships, and increased risk of other health problems. The economic burden of depression is also substantial, with costs associated with healthcare, lost productivity, and disability.

The Significance of Case Studies in Mental Health Research

Case studies serve as powerful tools in mental health research, offering unique insights that complement broader statistical analyses and controlled experiments. They allow researchers and clinicians to explore the nuances of individual experiences, providing a rich tapestry of information that can inform our understanding of mental health conditions and guide the development of more effective treatment strategies.

One of the key advantages of case studies is their ability to capture the complexity of mental health conditions. Unlike standardized questionnaires or diagnostic criteria, case studies can reveal the intricate interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to an individual’s mental health. This holistic approach is particularly valuable in understanding conditions like depression, which often have multifaceted causes and manifestations.

Case studies also play a crucial role in the development of treatment strategies. By examining the detailed accounts of individuals who have undergone various interventions, researchers and clinicians can identify patterns of effectiveness and potential barriers to treatment. This information can then be used to refine existing approaches or develop new, more targeted interventions.

Moreover, case studies contribute to the advancement of mental health research by generating hypotheses and identifying areas for further investigation. They can highlight unique aspects of a condition or treatment that may not be apparent in larger-scale studies, prompting researchers to explore new avenues of inquiry.

Examining a Real-life Case Study of Depression

To illustrate the power of case studies in understanding depression, let’s examine the story of Sarah, a 32-year-old marketing executive who sought help for persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in her once-beloved activities. Sarah’s case provides a compelling example of how depression can manifest in high-functioning individuals and the challenges they face in seeking and receiving appropriate treatment.

Background: Sarah had always been an ambitious and driven individual, excelling in her career and maintaining an active social life. However, over the past year, she began to experience a gradual decline in her mood and energy levels. Initially, she attributed these changes to work stress and the demands of her busy lifestyle. As time went on, Sarah found herself increasingly isolated, withdrawing from friends and family, and struggling to find joy in activities she once loved.

Presentation of Symptoms: When Sarah finally sought help from a mental health professional, she presented with the following symptoms:

– Persistent feelings of sadness and emptiness – Loss of interest in hobbies and social activities – Difficulty concentrating at work – Insomnia and daytime fatigue – Unexplained physical aches and pains – Feelings of worthlessness and guilt – Occasional thoughts of death, though no active suicidal ideation

Initial Diagnosis: Based on Sarah’s symptoms and their duration, her therapist diagnosed her with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This diagnosis was supported by the presence of multiple core symptoms of depression that had persisted for more than two weeks and significantly impacted her daily functioning.

The Treatment Journey

Sarah’s case study provides an opportunity to explore the various treatment options available for depression and examine their effectiveness in a real-world context. Supporting a Caseworker’s Client Who Struggles with Depression offers valuable insights into the role of support systems in managing depression, which can complement professional treatment approaches.

Overview of Treatment Options: There are several evidence-based treatments available for depression, including:

1. Psychotherapy: Various forms of talk therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression.

2. Medication: Antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), can help regulate brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms of depression.

3. Combination Therapy: Many individuals benefit from a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Exercise, improved sleep habits, and stress reduction techniques can complement other treatments.

5. Alternative Therapies: Some individuals find relief through approaches like mindfulness meditation, acupuncture, or light therapy.

Treatment Plan for Sarah: After careful consideration of Sarah’s symptoms, preferences, and lifestyle, her treatment team developed a comprehensive plan that included:

1. Weekly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions to address negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.

2. Prescription of an SSRI antidepressant to help alleviate her symptoms.

3. Recommendations for lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and improved sleep hygiene.

4. Gradual reintroduction of social activities and hobbies to combat isolation.

Effectiveness of the Treatment Approach: Sarah’s response to treatment was monitored closely over the following months. Initially, she experienced some side effects from the medication, including mild nausea and headaches, which subsided after a few weeks. As she continued with therapy and medication, Sarah began to notice gradual improvements in her mood and energy levels.

The CBT sessions proved particularly helpful in challenging Sarah’s negative self-perceptions and developing more balanced thinking patterns. She learned to recognize and reframe her automatic negative thoughts, which had been contributing to her feelings of worthlessness and guilt.

The combination of medication and therapy allowed Sarah to regain the motivation to engage in physical exercise and social activities. As she reintegrated these positive habits into her life, she experienced further improvements in her mood and overall well-being.

The Outcome and Lessons Learned

Sarah’s journey through depression and treatment offers valuable insights into the complexities of mental health and the effectiveness of various interventions. Understanding the Link Between Sapolsky and Depression provides additional context on the biological underpinnings of depression, which can complement the insights gained from individual case studies.

Progress and Challenges: Over the course of six months, Sarah made significant progress in managing her depression. Her mood stabilized, and she regained interest in her work and social life. She reported feeling more energetic and optimistic about the future. However, her journey was not without challenges. Sarah experienced setbacks during particularly stressful periods at work and struggled with the stigma associated with taking medication for mental health.

One of the most significant challenges Sarah faced was learning to prioritize her mental health in a high-pressure work environment. She had to develop new boundaries and communication strategies to manage her workload effectively without compromising her well-being.

Key Lessons Learned: Sarah’s case study highlights several important lessons about depression and its treatment:

1. Early intervention is crucial: Sarah’s initial reluctance to seek help led to a prolongation of her symptoms. Recognizing and addressing mental health concerns early can prevent the condition from worsening.

2. Treatment is often multifaceted: The combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes proved most effective for Sarah, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive treatment approach.

3. Recovery is a process: Sarah’s improvement was gradual and non-linear, with setbacks along the way. This emphasizes the need for patience and persistence in mental health treatment.

4. Social support is vital: Reintegrating social activities and maintaining connections with friends and family played a crucial role in Sarah’s recovery.

5. Workplace mental health awareness is essential: Sarah’s experience highlights the need for greater understanding and support for mental health issues in professional settings.

6. Stigma remains a significant barrier: Despite her progress, Sarah struggled with feelings of shame and fear of judgment related to her depression diagnosis and treatment.

Sarah’s case study provides a vivid illustration of the complexities of depression and the power of comprehensive, individualized treatment approaches. By examining her journey, we gain valuable insights into the lived experience of depression, the challenges of seeking and maintaining treatment, and the potential for recovery.

The significance of case studies in understanding and treating mental health conditions cannot be overstated. They offer a level of detail and nuance that complements broader research methodologies, providing clinicians and researchers with invaluable insights into the diverse manifestations of mental health disorders and the effectiveness of various interventions.

As we continue to explore mental health through case studies, it’s important to recognize the diversity of experiences within conditions like depression. Personal Bipolar Psychosis Stories: Understanding Bipolar Disorder Through Real Experiences offers insights into another complex mental health condition, illustrating the range of experiences individuals may face.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to consider how mental health issues are portrayed in popular culture, as these representations can shape public perceptions. Understanding Mental Disorders in Winnie the Pooh: Exploring the Depiction of Depression provides an interesting perspective on how mental health themes can be embedded in seemingly lighthearted stories.

The field of mental health research and treatment continues to evolve, driven by the insights gained from individual experiences and comprehensive studies. By combining the rich, detailed narratives provided by case studies with broader research methodologies, we can develop more effective, personalized approaches to mental health care. As we move forward, it is essential to continue exploring and sharing these stories, fostering greater understanding, empathy, and support for those facing mental health challenges.

References:

1. World Health Organization. (2021). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

2. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

3. Beck, A. T., & Alford, B. A. (2009). Depression: Causes and treatment. University of Pennsylvania Press.

4. Cuijpers, P., Quero, S., Dowrick, C., & Arroll, B. (2019). Psychological treatment of depression in primary care: Recent developments. Current Psychiatry Reports, 21(12), 129.

5. Malhi, G. S., & Mann, J. J. (2018). Depression. The Lancet, 392(10161), 2299-2312.

6. Otte, C., Gold, S. M., Penninx, B. W., Pariante, C. M., Etkin, A., Fava, M., … & Schatzberg, A. F. (2016). Major depressive disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2(1), 1-20.

7. Sapolsky, R. M. (2004). Why zebras don’t get ulcers: The acclaimed guide to stress, stress-related diseases, and coping. Holt paperbacks.

8. Yin, R. K. (2017). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage publications.

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Patient Case #1: 27-Year-Old Woman With Bipolar Disorder

• Theresa Cerulli, MD
• Tina Matthews-Hayes, DNP, FNP, PMHNP

Custom Around the Practice Video Series

Experts in psychiatry review the case of a 27-year-old woman who presents for evaluation of a complex depressive disorder.

EP: 1 . Patient Case #1: 27-Year-Old Woman With Bipolar Disorder

Ep: 2 . clinical significance of bipolar disorder, ep: 3 . clinical impressions from patient case #1, ep: 4 . diagnosis of bipolar disorder, ep: 5 . treatment options for bipolar disorder, ep: 6 . patient case #2: 47-year-old man with treatment resistant depression (trd), ep: 7 . patient case #2 continued: novel second-generation antipsychotics, ep: 8 . role of telemedicine in bipolar disorder.

Michael E. Thase, MD : Hello and welcome to this Psychiatric Times™ Around the Practice , “Identification and Management of Bipolar Disorder. ”I’m Michael Thase, professor of psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Joining me today are: Dr Gustavo Alva, the medical director of ATP Clinical Research in Costa Mesa, California; Dr Theresa Cerulli, the medical director of Cerulli and Associates in North Andover, Massachusetts; and Dr Tina Matthew-Hayes, a dual-certified nurse practitioner at Western PA Behavioral Health Resources in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.

Today we are going to highlight challenges with identifying bipolar disorder, discuss strategies for optimizing treatment, comment on telehealth utilization, and walk through 2 interesting patient cases. We’ll also involve our audience by using several polling questions, and these results will be shared after the program.

Without further ado, welcome and let’s begin. Here’s our first polling question. What percentage of your patients with bipolar disorder have 1 or more co-occurring psychiatric condition? a. 10%, b. 10%-30%, c. 30%-50%, d. 50%-70%, or e. more than 70%.

Now, here’s our second polling question. What percentage of your referred patients with bipolar disorder were initially misdiagnosed? Would you say a. less than 10%, b. 10%-30%, c. 30%-50%, d. more than 50%, up to 70%, or e. greater than 70%.

We’re going to go ahead to patient case No. 1. This is a 27-year-old woman who’s presented for evaluation of a complex depressive syndrome. She has not benefitted from 2 recent trials of antidepressants—sertraline and escitalopram. This is her third lifetime depressive episode. It began back in the fall, and she described the episode as occurring right “out of the blue.” Further discussion revealed, however, that she had talked with several confidantes about her problems and that she realized she had been disappointed and frustrated for being passed over unfairly for a promotion at work. She had also been saddened by the unusually early death of her favorite aunt.

Now, our patient has a past history of ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder], which was recognized when she was in middle school and for which she took methylphenidate for adolescence and much of her young adult life. As she was wrapping up with college, she decided that this medication sometimes disrupted her sleep and gave her an irritable edge, and decided that she might be better off not taking it. Her medical history was unremarkable. She is taking escitalopram at the time of our initial evaluation, and the dose was just reduced by her PCP [primary care physician]from 20 mg to 10 mg because she subjectively thought the medicine might actually be making her worse.

On the day of her first visit, we get a PHQ-9 [9-item Patient Health Questionnaire]. The score is 16, which is in the moderate depression range. She filled out the MDQ [Mood Disorder Questionnaire] and scored a whopping 10, which is not the highest possible score but it is higher than 95% of people who take this inventory.

At the time of our interview, our patient tells us that her No. 1 symptom is her low mood and her ease to tears. In fact, she was tearful during the interview. She also reports that her normal trouble concentrating, attributable to the ADHD, is actually substantially worse. Additionally, in contrast to her usual diet, she has a tendency to overeat and may have gained as much as 5 kg over the last 4 months. She reports an irregular sleep cycle and tends to have periods of hypersomnolence, especially on the weekends, and then days on end where she might sleep only 4 hours a night despite feeling tired.

Upon examination, her mood is positively reactive, and by that I mean she can lift her spirits in conversation, show some preserved sense of humor, and does not appear as severely depressed as she subjectively describes. Furthermore, she would say that in contrast to other times in her life when she’s been depressed, that she’s actually had no loss of libido, and in fact her libido might even be somewhat increased. Over the last month or so, she’s had several uncharacteristic casual hook-ups.

So the differential diagnosis for this patient included major depressive disorder, recurrent unipolar with mixed features, versus bipolar II disorder, with an antecedent history of ADHD. I think the high MDQ score and recurrent threshold level of mixed symptoms within a diagnosable depressive episode certainly increase the chances that this patient’s illness should be thought of on the bipolar spectrum. Of course, this formulation is strengthened by the fact that she has an early age of onset of recurrent depression, that her current episode, despite having mixed features, has reverse vegetative features as well. We also have the observation that antidepressant therapy has seemed to make her condition worse, not better.

Transcript Edited for Clarity

Dr. Thase is a professor of psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Alva is the medical director of ATP Clinical Research in Costa Mesa, California.

Dr. Cerulli is the medical director of Cerulli and Associates in Andover, Massachusetts.

Dr. Tina Matthew-Hayes is a dual certified nurse practitioner at Western PA Behavioral Health Resources in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.

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DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES

Differential Diagnosis I: MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)

Rationale: Ashley presents with several signs and symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), including depressed mood, loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, weight loss and recurrent thoughts of death (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2008). A diagnosis of major depressive disorder can be made if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with a person’s ability to sleep, study, eat and enjoy life (NIMH, 2015). Ashley’s testimony that she has had difficulty with school, sleep and volleyball practice therefore supports this diagnosis.

Differential Diagnosis II: GRIEF

Rationale: Ashley presents with symptoms of grief, including sadness and withdrawal from usual activities. Despite some overlap between grief and MDD, a couple key aspects can differentiate these two diagnoses: 1) In grief, feelings of sadness usually come in waves; in depression, negative mood is almost always sustained, 2) In grief, the patient maintains self-esteem; in depression, patient often has feelings of worthlessness or self-loathing (APA, 2013). Ashley’s history of prolonged feelings of worthlessness combined with her history of self-harm support a diagnosis of MDD rather than grief. Additionally, Ashley did not identify any specific trigger for her feelings of sadness (e.g. loss of a loved one), thus making a diagnosis of grief unlikely.

Differential Diagnosis III: BIPOLAR DISORDER

Rationale: Ashley presents with symptoms commonly associated with the depressed phase of bipolar disorder, such as a depressed mood and suicidal ideation. Patients experiencing a depressive episode of bipolar disorder have a very similar clinical presentation to a patient with MDD (also called unipolar depression) (Hirschfield, 2014). A key aspect of bipolar disorder that differentiates it from MDD is that patients with bipolar disorder also experience manic episodes. The fact that patients rarely present to the health care provider during a manic episode of BPD can complicate the differential diagnosis (Tesar, 2010). In order to diagnose a patient like Ashley with bipolar disorder, she would have to describe a past history of manic episodes. Since Ashley did not describe a history of manic episodes, the clinician would likely not make a diagnosis of bipolar disorder at this encounter.

Of note, antidepressants show little to no efficacy for depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder (Hirschfield, 2014). Consequently, correct identification of bipolar disorder among patients exhibiting signs of depression is critical for effective treatment and improved outcomes (Hirschfield, 2014).

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Case Study and Treatment Plan: Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use

Info: 4892 words (20 pages) Nursing Case Study Published: 5th May 2020

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Tagged: mental health depression alcohol misuse

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• Medical supervision for Alcohol Withdrawal (inpatient admission for detoxification)
• Residential rehabilitation
• Pharmacotherapy for post detoxification support and in an attempt to prevent relapse
• AOD counselling weekly for support
• AA Meetings weekly for peer support in relapse prevention
• Personal counselling
• Psychology sessions (ie Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT))
• Taking medication as prescribed
• Attending weekly AOD counselling sessions
• Attending weekly AA meetings
• Attending regular counselling
• Attending psychology (CBT) sessions
• Able to indicate some positivity and hope for his future
• Regular attendance at gardens with support worker
• Regular conversations with family members and support people

Our nursing and healthcare experts are ready and waiting to assist with any writing project you may have, from simple essay plans, through to full nursing dissertations.

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• American Psychiatric Association (1987). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3 rd ed.,rev.) Washington, DC
• American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington,VA, American Psychiatric Association (2013).
• Baker, A., & Velleman, R. (Eds.). (2007). Clinical handbook of co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems . Routledge.
• Brown, R. A., Evans, D. M., Miller, I. W., Burgess, E. S., & Mueller, T. I. (1997). Cognitive–behavioral treatment for depression in alcoholism. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology , 65 (5), 715.
• Brown, R. A., & Ramsey, S. E. (2000). Addressing comorbid depressive symptomatology in alcohol treatment. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice , 31 (4), 418.
• Durie, M. (1998). Whaiora: Maori health development. Oxford University Press
• Regier, D.A., Farmer, M.E., Rae, D.S., Locke, B. Z., Keith, S.J., Judd, L. L., & Goodwin, F.K.(1990) Comorbidity of Mental disorders with alcohol and other drug abuse: Results from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) Study. Journal of the American Medical Association, 264,2511-2518
• Turner, R., & Wehl, C. (1984). Treatment of unipolar depression in problem drinkers.   Advances in behavioural research and Therapy, 6, 115-125

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Alcoholism Drinking Health Definition Alcoholism is an illness marked by drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or occupat...

The Epidemiology of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Introduction According to Alcohol Concern Organisation (2015) more than 9 million people in England consume alcoholic beverages more than the recommended daily limits. In relation to this, the Nationa...

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Depression Case Studies Samples For Students

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Alberto, age 55, was brought to the emergency department of a regional medical center by his brother-in-law. Alberto is pacing, demanding, agitated, and speaking vociferously. “I did not wish to come here! My brother-in-law is simply jealous and he is trying to make me appear like I am suffering from some sort of insanity!” Alberto’s treatment is financially subsidized by his brother in law. Alberto will undergo a maximum of 8 sessions at 2 hours each session. The session will start on June 25, 2014.

Presenting Problem

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Lucy suffers of a major depression or depressive condition. She is getting the attention or medication with the antidepressants. This depressive episode is causing a lot of disturbance in her daily life activities. The medical pain is extreme hence making her to fail going to her workplace.

She is suffering from a personality disorder, which has contributed to the development of the depression. The attempted to commit suicide shaped her condition of depression. Her history of depression is as a result of the medical pain and being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The personality disorder induces the depressive episode in axis I.

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B. Strategies

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On June 20th 2001, a mother of five did the unthinkable and killed her five children within one hour (O'Malley, 2004). The woman, Andrea Yates confessed to drowning her four sons and one daughter in the bathtub within the family’s house. The crime shocked American society and brought a lot of consideration to the psychological health of mothers and possible risks it presented for the family (Ewing, 2008).

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Medical Conditions(s): _______________________________________________ Reason for Referral The patient was experiencing difficulties in getting sleep and was irritable most of the time. The patient constantly sinks into depression and has even in a number of occasions attempted suicide. Furthermore, the patient has lost interest in certain activities, which they used to like such as that of playing with friends.

Tests Administered/Test Scores & Interpretation/Behavioral Observations:

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Introduction One of the main branches of psychology is mental assessment. This part of psychology calls for numerous observations and ability to relate a certain behavior or response to a set of responses to comprehensively understand the mental status of a person (http://yalepress.yale.edu/yupbooks/excerpts/hicks_50.pdf).

It usually involves careful observation of any possible or visible cue that might give a clue to the mental status a person, a lot of careful questioning and taking of notes as well as mental history of the person under observation. It also calls for human behavior understanding and causes of the various types of mental ailments (http://yalepress.yale.edu/yupbooks/excerpts/hicks_50.pdf).

Assessment procedure

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[Professor’s name appears here] [University name appears here] [Date appears here]

SCENARIO 1:

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James is a community counseling student and an intern at a local university. Recently, he began working with Lisa a 21-year-old female who presented symptoms associated with depression. Lisa disclosed experiencing physical abuse from her mother’s partner. As a result, she drugged him, and he later died. The decision to diagnose her or not is a dilemma. Lisa has told her counselor something that she had never disclosed to anyone. Referring her to another counselor would make her uncomfortable, and she could decide to give up on counseling.

Step 2: identify the potential issues involved

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Nutrition is an indispensable component of care. It is from food intake that the body obtains the micro and macro nutrients needed to maintain and improve health. Diet is also an area of regulation for the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Care plans focused on nutrition necessarily must be individualized to take into account unique needs arising from specific medical conditions, the client’s developmental stage, and cultural preferences. Developing a care plan entails evaluating for nutritional risk, defining the goals of nutrition therapy, identifying interventions and expected outcomes, implementing the interventions, providing education, and promoting safety.

Evaluation of Nutritional Risk

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Part A: Assessment Cause Hank’s pain comes from a two-year-old surgery and radiotherapy for his left lung mesothelioma. Objective Data Hank is alert, oriented and can respond to questions in an appropriate manner. Hank’s skin appears pale with slight perspiration. The VAS assessment kit shows an intensity score of 2/10. Furthermore, Hank demonstrates distress on movement with visible restrictions on trunk movements. Finally, Hank’s chest is clear though with reduced air entry.

Subjective Data

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Based on 2-20 year old male CDC growth chart, Jacob is considered obese. His height indicates he is at the 96th percentile and weight is at the 90th percentile. His BMI is at the 95th percentile (Kuczmarski et al, 2002). Based on 2-20 year old female CDC growth chart, Mollie is considered to be of normal weight. Her height indicates that she is between the 60th percentile and weight is at the 45th percentile. Her BMI is at the 27th percentile (Kuczmarski et al, 2002).

The three common types of eating disorder includes Binge Eating disorder, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia nervosa

The key issues case study sample.

There are many issues surrounding the life of Marci, the 23 year old young woman that seems to be losing her mind because of perceived indulgence into drugs. Among the primary issues surrounding the life of Marci, the young woman, are such things as:

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