Presenting problems
What is the book therapists use to make diagnoses?
DSM V
Name a variable that helps therapists form an opinion of the client's general presentation.
Appearance, attitude, motor activity, level of consciousness
Do you need to ask about over-the-counter (OTC) medications like cold meds when assessing substance abuse?
Yes
Name a characteristic known to increase risk of suicide.
Past suicide attempts, pain or illness, feelings of hopelessness, being elderly or adolescent, being male, being unemployed, being single, history of depression etc., stressful life events experienced as shameful or humiliating, significant interpersonal disruption or conflict, recent improvement after a period of severe depression, recent or accumulated losses
Name a factor that correlates with high risk for violent behavior.
History of violent acts, history of physical attacks or fear-inducing behavior in the last two weeks, history of victim injury, absence of suicidal behavior in last two weeks, diagnosis of schizophrenia etc., lack of empathy, being male, separation from parents by age 16 or younger, never married, elementary school maladjustment, history of damaging property or harming animals, history of drug use
The best indicator of our client's motivation to come to therapy is the answer to the simple question:
Why now?
If a client understands themselves well, we say the client has good:
Insight
What might be a clue that your client has a substance abuse problem?
Slowed or sped-up speech, dilated or constricted pupils, smell of alcohol or pot, sleep and appetite disturbance, poor coordination, excessive or blunted emotional reactions, dry mouth, not being able to hold still, distractability, inappropriate behavior, fighting, accidents, repeated trauma and crises, relationship discord, no motivation, poor work habits
When in doubt, assume risk of client's danger to self is greater/lesser than you think.
Greater
True or false: History of drug abuse is a factor correlated with high risk for violent behavior.
True
True/False: A client's readiness to change is uniform across various problems.
False
Hallucinations may be a sign that the client has issues with:
Perception
What basic tenet can you remind clients about if they are worried about public exposure of their substance use?
Confidentiality
Are men or women more likely to be injured when at risk for violence against them?
Women
Name a factor in evaluating impulsiveness for violence against others.
Motivation, the conditions that release the impulses, prior history
What two areas determine how symptoms create problems for clients?
(1) What symptoms are present and (2) how they affect everyday activities
When the client moves from one emotion to another very quickly and unpredictably, clinicians call it:
Labile
The abuse of which substance can mimic psychological problems like depression, crying spells, chronic fighting, low self-esteem and sleep issues?
Alcohol
What does suicidal intention entail?
Determination and having plans for suicide
You have known your client for one year and he mentions thoughts of violence for the first time today. Should you question him about intention to harm?
Anytime you are not 100% sure that no violent action will be taken by your client, you should evaluate their intention to harm.
What is the the fourth stage in Prochaska's stges of change (when the client is ready to act and make a change in their life)?
Action
When we say a client's sensorium is clear, we mean that he is oriented to:
Person, place and time
A positive answer to how many of the CAGE tests questions indicate a more thorough screening is required?
2
What are the three I's that help us assess suicide potential?
Ideation, intention, impulsiveness
Name 3 factors that help use determine lethality of acting violently against others.
When a client makes a threat, has clear intentions to act, and has a history of violently acting out.