Case Study, Mohr

CHAPTER 1, Introduction to Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing In completing the case study, students will be addressing the following learning objectives: Explain elements that contribute to mental health.

Review trends, problems, and goals related to the delivery of mental health care and treatment of mental illness.

1. Karen is a 25-year-old white woman who lives alone in an apartment with her dog. Karen has been divorced for 2 years and is taking Prozac prescribed by her psychiatrist for depression.  Karen and her boyfriend had been discussing marriage until he told her that he wanted to end their relationship.  Karen became even more depressed and could not work for a week.  Karen returned to work, refusing to discuss her issues with family, friends, or coworkers. She did, however, make an appointment to see a psychiatric nurse practitioner.  Karen told the nurse that she was making some changes in her life.  Karen said that she and a girlfriend were joining a gym program for workouts and a social group for young men and women.  Karen stated that she realizes that her former boyfriend had not been committed to her, and she anticipates meeting and dating other young men from the adult social group.  Karen also said that she thinks that the gym exercise will be beneficial to her mentally and physically.

Learning Objectives: 1, 4)

• How will the psychiatric nurse assess if Karen has made progress toward self-realization?
• Identify strengths that Karen has for progress in personal growth.

Karen has been seeking treatment for her depression. Analyze the factors that might contribute to Karen’s reluctance to discuss her depression with others.

Case Study, Mohr:  CHAPTER 2, Neuroscience: Biology and Behavior

In completing the case study, students will be addressing the following learning objectives:

Discuss neuroplasticity and how this concept relates to mental health and mental illness.

Briefly explain the importance of interaction between genes and environment, the role of endophenotypes, and the stress-diathesis model of psychiatric illness.