of Evan F., a prisoner inmate of a minimum security prison has just begun to
serve a 5-year sentence for embezzlement and other white collar crime. Evan
worked as a businessman and has a history of anxiety and depression for which
he has taken medication in the past. Evan has recently had some episodes in
which he suddenly feels as though he can’t breathe, has chest pain, sweats
excessively and becomes very dizzy. When he was taken to the infirmary, it was
decided that his symptoms were psychiatric in nature.
The correctional officers initially felt that Evan was
faking these symptoms and ?malingering. However, a member
of your team is concerned that Evan may be at risk for suicide. He
states that Evan has talked about how he has nothing to live for and that he
lost his career and the respect of his peers when he was found guilty of
embezzlement. Evan has been acting very listless and not eating much. When
considering Evan’s case, the team will also need to consider suicide risk.. You
are asked to begin the team meeting with a presentation that sets out the main
considerations in evaluating Evan’s case. You will include the following items
in the presentation:
Discuss the DSM-IV criteria for Generalized Anxiety, Panic
Disorder and Panic Attacks.Identify and describe some underlying causes and
triggers for Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks.
What is involved in assessing suicide risk for an
individual?
What additional information would you want to know about
Evan in order to make a diagnosis and assess suicide risk?
Are the diagnoses of Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety
or Panic Attack associated with higher suicide risk? Discuss.
If Evan does have Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Panic
Disorder, what treatment recommendations would you make? If Evan is found to be
a suicide risk, what steps should be taken to address this?
