Psychology Crisis Intervention

Crisis Resulting from Traumatic Stress

• Crises can be precipitated by unexpected external stresses
• Types of crisis: maturational/developmental crises (emotions related to unresolved conflicts in one's life)

Effects of Crisis

• Physically: injuries, headache, sleep disturbance, chronic pain
• Psychological: depression, stress, self-blame

Crisis Intervention

• Aims: relieve present distress, restore previous functional level, develop new attitudes and behavior
• Stages:
  • Stage 1: Psychosocial assessment
  • Stage 2: Rapidly establish rapport
  • Stage 3: Identify major problems
  • Stage 4: Deal with feelings and emotions
  • Stage 5: Generate and explore alternatives
  • Stage 6: Implement an action plan

Substance Abuse

• Definition: maladaptive pattern of substance use with recurrent adverse consequences
• Causes: emotional pressure, social pressure, group pressure, previous drug use, media influence
• Warning signs:
  • Physical signs: change in eating habits, sleep pattern, red eye, running nose, cough
  • Behavioral signs: change in friends, irritability, nervousness, over-excitement
  • Social signs: social problems, economic problems, legal risks
• Classification: alcohol, sedatives, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants

Nursing Role

• Assessment: type and action of drug used, pattern of dependence, physical condition
• Planning/Implementation: develop trusting nurse-client relationship, maintain non-judgmental attitude, encourage group activities, assist through detoxification phase, observe and care for physical problems, establish rehabilitation program

Stress

• Definition: feeling of emotional or physical tension from events or thoughts that make one feel frustrated, angry, or nervous
• Causes: pressure, big changes, worry, lack of control, lack of work or activities
• Sources: personal, friends and family, employment and study, housing

Effects of Stress

• On body: headache, muscle tension, chest pain, fatigue, change in sex drive
• On mood: anxiety, restlessness, anger, overeating
• On behavior: overeating, drug/alcohol misuse, tobacco use, social withdrawal

Adaptation with Stress

• Psychological adaptation: functional, cognitive, or behavioral trait that benefits an organism in its environment
• Factors influencing individual adaptation: duration and type of stress, external supports, knowledge, personality traits, maturity, general health

Methods of Stress Management

• Awareness
• Relaxation techniques
• Interpersonal communication with caring others
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Support group

Psychiatry Disorder of Children

• Causative factors: sex and age, socio-cultural factors, genetic factors, stress, parents and families

Classification

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): chronic disorder with difficulties in attention span, impulse control, and hyperactivity
• Conduct disorder: repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior violating the basic rights of others
• Anxiety disorder: fear that is not justified by reality or extreme reaction to real threat
• Autistic disorder: rare pervasive developmental disorder with onset in infancy or childhood, characterized by lack of responsiveness, withdrawal from social contact, and gross impairment in communication