Question

A social worker sees a teenager with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. The family physician believes hospitalization is necessary. A psychiatrist has diagnosed a comorbid condition of major depressive disorder and recommends intensive outpatient treatment. The client and her parents are confused and frightened. The social worker should FIRST:

A. try outpatient therapy with the support of a dietician
B. discuss the importance of weight gain with the family
C. schedule a case conference with the professionals involved
D. help the family choose a treatment option

Answer 1

The social worker should first schedule a case conference with the professionals involved to develop a collaborative and multidisciplinary treatment plan for the adolescent with anorexia nervosa and major depressive disorder.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a social worker is presented with a case where multiple health professionals have differing opinions on the treatment of an adolescent with anorexia nervosa and comorbid major depressive disorder, the social worker should first schedule a case conference with the professionals involved. This approach will allow for a collaborative discussion between the family physician, psychiatrist, and any other healthcare providers involved, enabling the development of a coordinated care plan that considers all aspects of the client's condition.

The primary goal of treatment for eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa is recovery, which includes gaining control of eating habits, resuming normal eating patterns, and reaching a healthy weight. Due to the complex nature of eating disorders, which can often co-occur with other mental health conditions such as depression, it is crucial to establish a holistic and multidisciplinary approach that may involve mental health counseling, nutritional counseling, medications, and possibly hospitalization depending on the severity of the disorder.