Unit 14 Discussion – Mood Disorders

It is anticipated that the initial discussion response should be in the range of 250-300 words. Response posts must demonstrate topic knowledge and scholarly engagement with peers. This is not the only criteria utilized for evaluation; substantive content is imperative. All questions in the topic must be addressed. Please proofread your response carefully for grammar and spelling. Do not upload any attachments. All responses need to be supported by a minimum of one scholarly resource. Journals and websites must be cited appropriately. Citation and reference must adhere to APA format.

Classroom Participation

Students are expected to initially address the discussion question by Wednesday of each week. Participation in the discussion forums is expected with a minimum total of three (3) substantive postings (this includes your initial posting and posting to two peers) on three (3) different days per week. Substantive means that you add something new to the discussion, you aren’t just agreeing. This is also a time to ask questions or offer information surrounding the topic addressed by your peers. Personal experience is appropriate for a substantive discussion and should be correlated to the literature.

All discussion boards will be evaluated utilizing rubric criterion inclusive of content, analysis, collaboration, writing and APA. If you fail to post an initial discussion you will not receive these points, you may however post to your peers for partial credit following the guidelines above. Due to the nature of this type of assignment and the need for timely responses for initial posts and posting to peers, the Make-Up Coursework Policy (effective July 2017) does not apply to Discussion Board Participation.

Discussion Prompt [Due Wednesday]

Joe, a recently divorced, 56-year-old Caucasian man presents to you, his primary-care provider, with complaints of insomnia and fatigue. He denies any recent injury or specific pain and was last seen in your office 11 months ago. Joe has taken an antihypertensive medication to control his blood pressure for 3 years and does not report any adverse side effects. Joe has worked in law enforcement for 14 years. He recently discharged his firearm for the first time. Even though no one was injured, Joe has been attending mandated appointments with the department psychologist. Joe reports that he does not have a regular exercise regimen. To relax he typically goes fishing or has a few beers after his shift. Other than the mandated appointments with the department psychologist, Joe has not sought any mental health treatment.

1. What factors in the scenario demonstrate an increased risk for suicide?
2. What should you include in a suicide risk assessment?
3. During the appointment, Joe states that it’s hard for him to talk about how he is feeling and begins to cry. Taking the opportunity to ask Joe about his intentions, what specific questions could you ask?
4. You understand that the best predictor of suicide risk is a history of a previous suicide attempt. When asked, Joe admits to placing one of his firearms in his mouth a few times, indicating that the likelihood of Joe attempting suicide is very high. How should you proceed?
5. Could Joe benefit from a no-suicide contract?

Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.

Estimated time to complete: 2 hours

Peer Responses/Participation [Due Sunday]   

• Make sure to respond to at least two of your fellow classmates postings as well and challenge each other to go beyond just the surface.
• Share your thoughts on how you support their ideas and explain why.
• Present new references that support your opinions.

Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.

Estimated time to complete: 1 hour