Homework #5

Jamie is a 12-year-old student at your middle school who has had behavioral problems for 3 years. He has currently been diagnosed with Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). Jamie was diagnosed after experiencing a highly irritable mood and outbursts for 8 days last month which was a marked change from his “normal” mood based upon reports from his teacher. He also had a depressive episode last year which was diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode and he carries a diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder from a prior school therapist. The latest diagnosis was given by his Pediatrician who is a MD but not a psychiatrist. You have a release to speak with her and she reports Jamie’s symptoms are “subthreshold” but illustrate Bipolar Spectrum Disorder. She has put Jamie on a combination of Divalproex, Clonidine and Zoloft.

1) Assume you are responsible for coordinating care for Jamie. Where would you start with this client and his family and what are the top two things you believe should be addressed. Be specific as-related to advocacy questions.

2) The parents ask you what the “black box” warning on Zoloft means – how would you answer them?

3) Jamie’s parents want to know what you can do to ensure medication compliance and efficacy for Jamie. Explain your role, scope and strategies.

Read Ingersoll & Rak (I & R) – Ch. 9

Sommers-Flanagan – Ch. 13