Alan's Depression Inventory

This instrument was developed by Aaron T. Beck who is a pioneer cognitive therapist. This instrument is commonly called the BDI and was developed in 1961. It was adapted in 1969 and a copyright was obtained in 1979. In developing the instrument Beck used a series of questions which enabled him to adequately measure the strength severity and complexity of depression. There are two versions of BDI, a long version which has 21 questions mostly used to measure specific symptom common with all patient suffering from depression. The shorter version which is composed of seven questions is meant to be used in a primary healthcare setting, with main purpose to evaluate, and monitor changes in of depression.

Ms. Client is a twenty-two-year-old, Caucasian female was referred for a psychological evaluation by Dr. B., Clinical Psychiatrist and her therapist for her excessive use of cocaine, Xanax and other substances. Dr. B. stated Ms. Client has been experiencing loss of interest, feeling like a failure and frequently crying. Additionally, she complains that her struggle with substance abuse has impacted her social, emotional and behavioral functioning. Ms. Client was admitted to the facility following a relapse. This is her sixth substance abuse treatment program. The purpose of the current evaluation is to (1) assess present level of functioning, (2) determine diagnostic impressions, (3) to identify relevant treatment and service needs.

Contact between an addictions counsellor and a client is usually initiated by the client referring him/her self, an outside agency refers them, family physician or the addictions counsellor initiates contact through outreach or other agencies. Assessment can be seen as the beginning of treatment and it becomes an opportunity to encourage the client to begin to move towards change. The initial assessment involves a mutual investigation and exploration between the client

"Men pray to the gods for health and they ignore that it is in their power to have it."

As clinicians, there is a duty to provide as clear of a diagnostic assessment as possible, particularly in relation to substance use, in order to provide the best care. In Substance Abuse Counseling: Theory and Practice, the authors state “as with other diseases and disorders, the earlier a therapist diagnoses a substance abuse problem, the better the prognosis for the client.” (Stevens & Smith, 2013) This makes assessment crucial to the diagnostic process. In “Screening, brief intervention, referral to treatment (SBIRT) for illicit drug and alcohol use at multiple heathcare sites,” written by Madras, Compton, Avula, Stegbauer, Stein, & Clark (2009), the reported 2006 NSDUH survey statistics estimated that “22.6 million people harbor a diagnosable alcohol or illicit drug use disorder.” (Madras et.al, 2009) Over the years, researchers have developed

Client reported feeling down within the last month and using heroin to cope. Client also reported feeling better and motivated towards the end of the month. Client completed a Beck Depression Inventory in which he scored a 6 indicating normal ups and downs. Client VA records confirm a diagnosis for PTSD and the medication list includes, Sertraline and Setraline HCL, as well as methadone to which the client appears compliant. Client reported he is medication compliant. Client denied any S/I or H/I.

In both Arbisi (2001) and Farmer’s (2001) review of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) addresses an area of weaknesses was the prior version BDI lacked the diagnostic questions that related to self esteem, energy level, frustration and lack of interest. Both authors agreed that the change was necessary and now aligns with a full assessment of depression signs (Arbisi, 2001), (Farmer, 2001). It appears from the articles that both authors agree on the improvements and easy administration of the assessment.

Based on this disclosure and admission, I was able to begin my work. I reinforced what the treatment center began to implement, the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. We created a structured schedule of meetings and the 12-step work began. Weekly he came to therapy and we “sparred” back and forth of his lack of interest and motivation on the program. It became clear to me that I was not making any headway on this type of counseling and my client could be in danger of relapse. I suggested over and over the vital importance of this activity. It was frustrating, because although he recently achieved two years of abstinence, I feared he was only “Dry.” Without the daily maintenance of a, “spiritual program.”

In the past, as well as currently, I have worked with individuals who have been charged with drug dealing offenses, who have also developed a dependency issue. This specific group of individuals who demonstrate addictive behaviors can be incredibly different and challenging to work with. One of the assessment methods that I would use with this client in

The Beck Depression Inventory-II was developed by Aaron T. Beck, Gregory K. Brown, and Robert A. Steer. The inventory was published by The Psychological Corporation in San Antonio, Texas in 1996.

If I was a Mental Health clinician working with Paul to overcome his anxiety issues, I would also make sure to utilize a multidisciplinary team including an addictions counselor since Paul has been exhibiting signs of a drinking addiction. I would collaborate with the addictions counselor to come up with an effective treatment plan for Paul. To ensure working in a collaborative environment, I would encourage Paul to have a session with me immediately after he has his session with the addictions counselor and vice versa. This will allow both me and the addictions counselor to meet after the sessions to review everything and to share ideas with one another to see what is working and not working with Paul and to implement the next steps in the treatment process. Both the addictions counselor and I should be able to evaluate treatment outcomes and set treatment goals to ensure a full and effective prognosis for Paul. In terms of Paul’s addiction issue, I would suggest

Client has no know history of previous treatments. Client desires treatment due to unhappiness with current life style. Client states that his longest abstinence from alcohol is 4 days, nicotine an hour, and marijuana and cocaine 1-2 years over the last 5 years. Client recognizes several triggers for drinking episodes (social anxiety, loneliness, fear, feelings of inadequacy, and guilt). Client is not experiencing any cravings for chemicals at this time (currently using nicotine). Client states he has current problems with family resentments and anger, self-esteem, and anxiety that are unresolved. At this time, potential for relapse is moderate to severe. Client a limited support network and no relapse prevention plan.

The Star.com. (November 3, 2014). Student help line finds 50 callers a month considering suicide. Retrieved March 7, 2015, from http://www.thestar.com/yourtoronto/education/2014/11/03/student_help_line_finds_50_callers_a_month_considering_suicide.html

Depression have become a major problem in our society today. People who haven’t experience depression will not understand how it feel and what it can do to a person. Many people also doesn’t understand what depression is, or how it can related to suicidal ideation. In fact, studies have documented that the majority of young suicide victims had depression at the time of death and most suicide survivors were diagnosed with symptoms of clinical depression at the time of their attempt (Mojs, Biederman, Głowacka, Strzelecki, Ziemska, Samborski 2015). It can affect anyone, from young adolescents to college students to the elderly people. There are many reasons that can make someone have major depression. Such as financial problems, family problems, social problems, school, work, etc. These stressors in our daily life can cause anxiety which can increase our stress level significantly, which then can lead to depression. A research said that anxiety disorder have a high comorbidity with depression and that anxiety occur prior to the onset of depressive disorders in many individuals (Batterham, Christensen, Calear 2013). People who experience depression must find way to cope with depression and know how to get help in order to prevent suicidal ideation. The people surroundings, friends and family, must also find ways to recognize the symptoms of depression, and show understandings in order to help those suffering. This research project will help people understand more about

Max Hamilton created the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and published the original assessment in 1960. The room for improvement of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was advised, which led to the revision of the assessment in 1994. This assessment is aimed to benefit adults eighteen and older who have been diagnosed with depression. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression is a 21-item questionnaire administered by interview, that requires an estimate of ten minutes (Reynolds & Kobak, 1995)