Reflective Journal Entry 6

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School

Grand Canyon University *

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Course

475

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Psychology

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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5

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Reflective Journal Entry 6 1 Reflective Journal Entry 6 Markeisha Lee Houston Christian University COUN 6309: Assessment and Testing Dr. Katherine Pang December 3, 2023
Reflective Journal Entry 6 2 Reflective Journal Entry 6 The Mental Status Exam (MSE) comprises various dimensions, and assessing each involves different observation techniques and questioning. Let us go through five dimensions and how you might assess them: Appearance and Behavior: Observation: You would observe the client's grooming, dress, posture, facial expressions, and any unusual movements or mannerisms. Inquiry: Ask about their daily routine, how they typically present themselves, changes in behavior, or any specific reasons behind their current appearance or behavior. Mood and Affect: Observation: Watch for the client's overall mood (e.g., happy, sad, anxious) and their effect (e.g., flat, blunted, exaggerated). Inquiry: Ask directly about how they are feeling, if they have been experiencing mood changes, and how they express their emotions in various situations. Thought Process: Observation: Look for the flow and organization of thoughts. Are they coherent and logical, or do they seem scattered and disorganized? Inquiry: Ask open-ended questions to understand how they are thinking, whether their thoughts are connected, and if they experience racing thoughts or have difficulty concentrating. Thought Content:
Reflective Journal Entry 6 3 Observation: Observe any delusions, obsessions, phobias, or hallucinations expressed by the client. Inquiry: Ask directly about their thoughts and beliefs, especially focusing on any unusual or distressing thoughts, fears, or perceptions they might have. Cognition: Observation: Assess memory, attention, and orientation. Are they aware of time, place, and person? How is their concentration and ability to remember recent or past events? Inquiry: Engage in memory exercises (e.g., recalling recent events or repeating information after a delay), ask about their current location, date, and details about their personal history. Discussing suicide and conducting risk assessments can be challenging yet crucial. I would rate my comfort in discussing suicide at an 8 and conducting risk assessments at a 7, recognizing the sensitivity and necessity of these discussions. To become more at ease, I would focus on continuous education through workshops, seek guidance from experienced professionals, and practice scenarios to build confidence. If a client expresses hopelessness and a desire not to live, my immediate steps would be to ensure their safety by staying present, assessing the level of risk through direct questions, and engaging emergency services or supportive resources as needed. Maintaining empathy, staying calm, and prioritizing the client's safety are paramount in handling such situations. The “IS PATH WARM” acronym stands for I - Ideation : Thoughts or preoccupation with death or suicide. S - Substance Abuse : Misuse or dependency on substances like drugs or alcohol. P - Purposelessness : Feeling a lack of purpose or aimlessness in life. A - Anxiety : Intense worry or stress that can contribute to suicidal thoughts. T - Trapped : Feeling stuck or trapped in a situation, without a way out.
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Reflective Journal Entry 6 4 H - Hopelessness : A pervasive sense of hopelessness about the future. W - Withdrawal : Withdrawing from social connections or activities. A - Anger : Persistent anger or rage, especially if directed inward. R - Recklessness : Engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors. M - Mood Changes : Dramatic mood swings or sudden changes in emotions. A mental disorder is characterized by three fundamental elements. Firstly, it involves observable behavioral or psychological symptoms, encompassing changes in mood, thoughts, behaviors, or perceptions that deviate from societal norms (Stein et al., 2021) . These symptoms can be self-reported or noticed by others. Secondly, there is a significant level of impairment or distress caused by these symptoms, disrupting the individual's ability to function in daily life, impacting work, relationships, or personal care. This impairment often leads to distress, affecting their overall well-being. Lastly, these symptoms persist over an extended period, typically for weeks or months, causing enduring distress or impairment. This persistence distinguishes them from transient emotional responses, signaling the presence of a clinically significant mental health issue that may necessitate professional assessment and treatment. References
Reflective Journal Entry 6 5 Stein, D. J., Palk, A. C., & Kendler, K. S. (2021). What is a mental disorder? An exemplar- focused approach. Psychological Medicine , 51 (6), 894–901. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291721001185