MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN COMPLETE NOTE
Consult Summary:
Patient presents with escalating anxiety and low mood impacting daily functioning. Plan involves MHCP development, lifestyle adjustments, and referral for psychological support. Likely stress-induced adjustment disorder with anxious and depressed mood.
MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN
Reason for Presentation
Patient attending for development of a Mental Health Care Plan due to persistent symptoms of anxiety and low mood.
History of Presenting Problem and Impact:
* Onset approximately 6 months ago, gradually worsening after a significant work restructure.
* Symptoms include daily feelings of worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and occasional panic attacks (last one 2 weeks ago).
* Low mood characterised by anhedonia and reduced motivation.
* Severity: Patient rates anxiety as 7/10 and mood as 6/10 on average. "I just can't seem to switch off my brain, it's exhausting."
* Exacerbating factors: Work pressure, social gatherings. Relieving factors: Solitary walks, listening to music.
* Impact on daily activities: Struggles to complete household chores, has missed social events.
* Work/Study: Reduced productivity at work, difficulty focusing on tasks.
* Relationships: Increased irritability with partner, withdrawing from friends.
* Self-care: Neglecting personal hygiene sometimes, eating less regularly.
* Sleep: Difficulty falling asleep and frequent nocturnal awakenings. Appetite: Reduced appetite.
Past Medical History:
* No formal psychiatric diagnoses previously.
* Brief period of counselling for stress 5 years ago, found it mildly helpful.
* Medical comorbidities: Mild hypertension, well-controlled with medication.
* No significant medical issues.
Medications:
* Currently: Ramipril 5mg OD for hypertension.
* No psychotropic medications currently or in the past.
Family History:
* Mother has history of anxiety, managed with medication and therapy.
* Paternal uncle experienced depression.
Social History:
* Developmental history: Unremarkable. Childhood history: Stable home environment.
* Past traumas: No significant reported trauma.
* Living arrangements: Lives with partner in a rented flat.
* Relationships: Long-term stable relationship, supportive but concerned partner.
* Work/Study: Works full-time as an accountant, recently experienced a demanding restructure.
* Psychosocial stressors: High work pressure, financial concerns related to recent car repair.
Substance Use:
* Alcohol: Occasional social drinker, 2-3 standard drinks per week. Denies binge drinking.
* Smoking: Never smoked. Vaping: Never vaped.
* Recreational drug use: Denies any illicit drug use.
Mental State Examination:
Appearance: Appears well-groomed, but somewhat tired. Maintains eye contact.
Behaviour: Psychomotor activity is normal. No abnormal movements.
Speech: Normal rate, volume, and rhythm. Coherent.
Mood: "Anxious and fed up."
Affect: Restricted, congruent with mood.
Thought Form: Linear and goal-directed.
Thought Content: Preoccupied with work stressors and future uncertainties. No suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, or delusions reported.
Perception: No hallucinations or perceptual disturbances.
Cognition: Appears alert and oriented. Concentration slightly impaired.
Insight: Good insight into the impact of her symptoms on her life.
Judgement: Intact.
Outcome Measures:
* GAD-7: 1 November 2024, Score: 16 (Severe anxiety)
* PHQ-9: 1 November 2024, Score: 14 (Moderately severe depression)
Diagnosis:
F43.2 Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood (DSM-5).
Formulation:
* Predisposing factors: Family history of anxiety, potentially perfectionistic personality traits.
* Precipitating factors: Recent significant work restructure and increased job demands, financial strain.
* Perpetuating factors: Avoidance behaviours (social withdrawal), poor sleep, rumination, lack of effective coping strategies.
* Protective factors: Supportive partner, good insight, willingness to engage in treatment.
* Risk assessment: Low risk of self-harm or harm to others. No current suicidal ideation.
Goals of Treatment:
* Patient goal: "I want to feel less worried all the time and enjoy my weekends again."
* Clinician goal: Reduce GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores by 50% within 3 months.
* Improve coping mechanisms for stress.
* Re-engage in previously enjoyed social activities.
Management Plan:
Psychoeducation:
* Discussed nature of anxiety and depression, stress response cycle. Provided resources on sleep hygiene.
* Lifestyle modifications: Encouraged regular exercise (e.g., 30 mins brisk walking daily), balanced diet, limiting caffeine.
* Strategies: Explained mindfulness techniques and progressive muscle relaxation.
Medication Management:
* No new psychotropic medication initiated at this stage, will review at next appointment.
Psychological Strategies:
* Recommended Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques for challenging negative thought patterns.
* Discussed benefits of relaxation techniques.
Referrals:
* Referral to Psychologist, "Ms. Sarah Jones" at "MindPath Psychology" for CBT and further psychological support.
Safety Plan:
* No immediate safety concerns identified. Patient understands to contact GP, partner, or Lifeline (13 11 14) if distress escalates.
Crisis Plan:
* Patient to contact local mental health crisis line (1800 011 511) or present to emergency department if experiencing acute crisis or suicidal thoughts.
Planned Review In:
* 4 weeks
Consent
Patient provided informed consent for the plan and referrals.