Identification of problematic behavior of Lauren and its relation with alcohol consumption

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individual Determinants of Health
Question 1: Identification of one of Lauren’s problematic
behaviour. Explanation of how the behaviour is problematic
and may be influenced by alcohol consumption.
Question 4: Theoretical techniques Rob should employ to assist
Lauren in addressing alcohol consumption as recommended.
Question 3: Suggested modification of rob’s
action during the consultation in order to
enhance her health outcomes
Question 2:a ) Assessment of helpful behavior of Rob
b) Assessment of unhelpful behavior of Rob
References
Copeland, W. E., Brotman, M. A., & Costello, E. J. (2015). Normative irritability in
youth: developmental findings from the Great Smoky Mountains Study. Journal of
the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 54(8), 635-642.
Ehde, D.M., Dillworth, T.M. and Turner, J.A., 2014. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
for individuals with chronic pain: efficacy, innovations, and directions for
research. American Psychologist, 69(2), p.153.
Jacobus, J., & Tapert, S. F. (2013). Neurotoxic effects of alcohol in
adolescence. Annual review of clinical psychology, 9, 703-721.
Moffitt, T. E. (2017). Adolescence-limited and life-course-persistent antisocial
behavior: A developmental taxonomy. In Biosocial Theories of Crime (pp. 69-96).
Routledge.
Mulraney, M., Melvin, G., & Tonge, B. (2014). Brief report: Can irritability act as a
marker of psychopathology?. Journal of adolescence, 37(4), 419-423.
Roberson-Nay, R., Leibenluft, E., Brotman, M. A., Myers, J., Larsson, H.,
Lichtenstein, P., & Kendler, K. S. (2015). Longitudinal stability of genetic and
environmental influences on irritability: from childhood to young
adulthood. American Journal of Psychiatry, 172(7), 657-664.
Vargas, W. M., Bengston, L., Gilpin, N. W., Whitcomb, B. W., & Richardson, H. N.
(2014). Alcohol binge drinking during adolescence or dependence during
adulthood reduces prefrontal myelin in male rats. Journal of Neuroscience, 34(44),
14777-14782.
One of the mention-worthy problematic behaviour that has been found to
impose highly negative impact on Luren’s behaviour is irritability due to low
mood.
Why Irritability is problematic
Irritability can be defined as the feeling of agitation. When an individual is
irritable, he or she becomes upset and frustrated easily. Generally, stressful
situation gives rise to irritability. Other causes of irritability include tiredness and
sickness. Generally, temporary irritability may cause from any physical or mental
stress and goes away when the specific issue gets solved. However, irritability if
experienced by an individual for a prolonged period of time as in the case of
Lauren, may considered to be a major symptom of depression. The mentioned
behaviour has the potential to impose negative impact on Lauren’s social,
educational as well as professional life. Due to excessive irritability, there prevails
a risk of loneliness due to rude conversation with friends, family and relatives.
This in turn can result in social isolation (Ehde, Dillworth and Turner 2014).
Moreover, Lauren is already suffering from obesity and asthma. In such case,
enhanced irritability can worsen those conditions. Depression resulting from
irritable condition of Lauren may also impose impact on her educational life. High
irritable adversely affect the ability to concentrate. Being a student, lack of
concentration will adversely affect Laurens results.
How Alcohol influences irritability
High anxiety and irritability can be considered as
two of the major symptoms of Alcoholism. Irritability due to alcoholism gets
rapidly transferred into depression. According to researcher, adolescents who
drinks heavily, are more likely to attempt for suicide in a stressful situation
compared to adolescents who don’t drink. Moreover, teen drinkers also suffer
from enhanced number of social problems, suicidal thoughts and violence. The
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stated that 39
percent of the teenage drinkers exhibit serious behavioral issues while 1 percent
of the same suffers from extreme level of psychological distress (Moffitt, 2017)
Apart from that, in case of regular alcohol consumption, adolescents are found to
suffer from higher level of attention-deficit disorder, aggressiveness and
hyperactivity. Dependence on alcohol is another major risk associated with
alcoholism in adolescence. Research suggests that teenagers below 17 are more
likely to get addicted to alcohol compared to adults (Vargas et al., 2014). Thus it
can be clearly understood that irritability due to low mood nd alcoholism are
highly related. In order to eradicate the psychological issues Lauren suffering
from, it is highly crucial to prevent her alcohol consumption.
Considering the fact that Lauren is majorly suffering from irritability due to low mood,
therapeutic treatment focusing on discovery of the underlying cause that may be a mental
health condition or outside factor is highly crucial. For instance, Rob can employ the
Cognitive behavioral therapy. With the help of this therapy, Rob will be able to reframe
thoughts of Laurel that in turn will enhance her behavior. The cognitive behavioral therapy
is highly popular among patients with irritability issues (Mulraney, Melvin & Tonge, 2014).
Additionally, Rob should also employee effective tress management skills and techniques
like meditations and mindfulness in order to further reduced the impact of irritability in
Lauren.
When it comes to alcoholism off Lauren, Psychotherapy can be effective technique to get
rid of the phenomenon. Psychotherapy involves personal counseling with a therapist. The
aim of the treatment is to help an alcoholic individual understand themselves, their issues
and motivations better (Jacobus & Tapert, 2013). Physiotherapist uses the techniques to
enhance self-observation and awareness amongst the patient. In case an individual has a
problem with alcohol and abuses it as a way to deal with negative feelings or emotions,
therapy can help to unlock what the deeper issues are and solve them.
Name of the Student
Action taken by Rob Comments Explanation
Considering the fact that Lauren was
demonstrating reluctance to her asthma
medications, take part in physical activity and
lessen her alcohol consumption, Rob had
organized a meeting session with Lauren and her
parents. in this meeting session, he disclosed that
Lauren needs the help of a support group in order
to get rid of alcoholism.
“I don’t want to go into details but I
think Lauren would be well served to
make some other friends, and avoid
seeing those friends for a while. I’d
also like to suggest that she contact a
support group... “
“I don’t want to go into details but I
think Lauren would be well served to
make some other friends, and avoid
seeing those friends for a while. I’d
also like to suggest that she contact a
support group... “
Since Lauren is suffering from severe psychological
anxiety, Rob should have implemented therapeutic
treatment for treating Laurel
Since it can be clearly, understood that Lauren is
unable to understand her present condition and
how it is gradually degrading both her
psychological as well as physical health, lack of
therapeutic treatment and medication is hindering
her way towards recovery from alcohol
consumptions and behavioral issues.
Action taken
by Rob
Comments Explanation
Rob has
suggested
physical exercise
as a part of his
daily routine
“physical activity
for someone your
age is critical
Lauren”
Considering the fact that Lauren
is suffering from obesity which in
is affecting her psychological as
well as physical health, physical
activity will be highly beneficial
for Lauren. Moreover, Physical
activity will help her to increase
her attention and make her feel
energized. Regular physical
activity has the potential to
reduce her tendency to consume
alcohol. Considering the fact that
the chief aim of Rob was to
enhance the energy of Lauren and
prevent depression, the action
taken by rob by prescribing
regular physical activity was
highly helpful (Roberson-Nay et
al. 2015).
The approach taken by
Rob while
communicating with
Lauren was helpful
“sorry Lauren but we
really need to address
your drinking and lack
of activity”
Being a psycratist, Rob was
demonstrating gentle and
understanding approach while
communicating with Lauren.
However, the approach shown by
Lauren was rude and offending.
This demonstration of patience
while listing to the issues of
healthcare user is highly
appreciable. For instance when
Rob had asked her what’s a
typical weaken means to her,
Lauren had demonstrated
rudeness while answering the
questions. In the above scenario
when Lauren was exhibiting rude
attitude, demonstration of anger
would have make it difficult for
him to access her issues an
understand the specific issues
behind her anxiety and irritable
behavior.
Actions Modifications
Rob during his consultation with Lauren’s family had disclosed
that Lauren needs the help of a support group in order to get rid
of alcoholism. Considering the fact that Lauren had informed the
doctor about the exact amount of alcohol consumption done by
her and asked Rob not to disclose the amount in front of her
parents, this action of Rob had made her feel betrayed.
Considering the fact that the chief goal of Rob is to eradicate the
psychological issues suffered by Lauren long with reduce her
alcohol consumption, as a psychologist it is highly crucial for him
to maintain the confidentiality of the patient. Maintenance of
confidentiality would have enhanced the relationship between
the pateient and the doctor. Lauren, as an individual may felt
being respected. This in turn had the potential to enhance the
trust of Lauren on Rob and she may reach out to him for timely
support in regards to the ongoing health concerns. Once the
trust of the health care user it gained, it becomes easier for the
healthcare service user to treat the patient and enhance his
physical or mental condition (Copeland, Brotman & Costello,
E2015).
Since Lauren is suffering from severe psychological anxiety, Rob
should have implemented therapeutic treatment for treating
Laurel.
It can be understood that Rob was trying to eradicate the issue
of excessive alcohol consumption of Laurel though oral sessions
(. However, since Laurel is a adolescent, mere oral therapy
seems to be not working for her. Considering the fact that the
condition of Lauren was deteriorating rapidly, Rob could have
introduced therapeutic treatment and medication instead of a
prolonged oral consultation.