Case Study Analysis: Identification of Issues and Recovery Process Using Trauma-Informed Care Principles

Running head: CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
Identification of issues that led to problematic substance-abuse:
Upon closely evaluating the case study of Lisa, a number of psychological issues can
be identified. The video further revealed that Lisa was counselled at a local drug service care
where Jenny counselled her. Lisa was seen to share her concerns with Jenny and the three
issues that could have potentially led to her problematic substance abuse comprised of her
fear, social isolation and insecurities.
Lisa states in the video that she lives separately with her boyfriend John. She further
states that her parents were not in favour of her relationship and as a result she decided to
move in with her boyfriend John. It can be mentioned here that on account of separation from
her parents, Lisa felt distressed and increasingly isolated. Research studies state that reduced
social interaction and increased isolation contributes to depression and associated mental
health issues (Holmes et al., 2014). This is extremely evident from Lisa’s body language and
gestures. During the interview process, Lisa was observed to avoid eye contact with Jenny.
Further, she was extremely agitated and was seen to fidget and be in a continuous state of
unrest. In addition to this, Jenny described Lisa’s appearance to be unkempt and dishevelled
which indicated her lack of self-care. In addition to this, it should be noted here that Lisa
describes herself as ‘ugly’ which critically reflects her lower self-esteem and low self-
confidence. Also, on account of being separated from her family, Lisa was unable to take care
of her medication as her mother helped her with the medication. The principles of trauma
informed care mentions that patient empowerment forms an integral aspect of the recovery
process (Muskett, 2014). In this case, it can be seen that Lisa’s family had been the primary
source of her empowerment and on account of separation from her family, her dependence on
substance abuse was seen to increase.

2CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
During the interview process Lisa mentions about her constant fear and her urge to
protect herself from her surrounding environment and the people who are close to her.
Further she mentions about ‘some voices’ that repeatedly ask her to prevent herself from her
boyfriend. She also states that the house she lives in is continuously under surveillance and
contains a number of cameras which monitors her whereabouts and behaviour. She states that
the voices disrupted her mental peace and for the purpose of defending herself, she kept a
knife underneath her pillow and slept in the garden alone. Fear triggers emotional anxiety that
subsequently leads to a number of psychological disorders (Clarkson, 2013). In this case, it
should be taken into account that a number of factors triggered fear in Lisa. This is evident
when she mentions to Jenny that she is scared to think independently because her boyfriend,
John had fitted a transmitter inside her stomach and if she thinks about something he would
automatically come to know and plan to harm her. Fear has been reported exercise
unregulated control on an individual and limit the ability of an individual to think
independently in anticipation of an adverse outcome. It can be mentioned in this context that,
upon separating from her family, Lisa had been dependent on John. However, increased
isolation and the fear of being threatened by her boyfriend made her psychologically
vulnerable and her dependence on substance abuse increased. As stated by Huckshorn and
LeBel (2013), psychological distress is often accompanied with substance abuse in patients.
In addition to this, it should be noted here that the elements of safety, transparency and
trustworthiness under the principles of trauma informed care were seen to lack in Lisa’s case
which increased her dependence on substance abuse (Centre for Substance Abuse Treatment,
2014).
In addition to this, the elements of insecurity and stress also contributed to the
deterioration of her mental health. During the interview process, she seemed to be
preoccupied and distracted. She was seen to converse with some virtual voices which