Question

Dr. Kirby has been meeting with 9-year-old Loren, whose family lost everything in a tornado. In her initial visit, Loren was diagnosed with acute stress disorder. During a 2-month follow-up with Dr. Kirby, Loren is still exhibiting many of the same symptoms. What should Dr. Kirby do?

Answer 1

Maybe help her recover from losing everything .. like show her a favorite toy she had or surprise her with on and see if she can cope better with the loss of her and her family’s things

Answer 2

Answer: Dr Kirby should refer her to a psychiatrist

Explanation: This is because still after Loren came back for follow up, she had not improved. Loren is therefore most likely not having only an acute stress disorder. She would be having psychiatric issues and need to see a psychiatrist.

Symptoms of acute stress disorder Loren could be having include:

1. Decrease in emotional responsiveness

2. Finding it difficult to enjoy pleasure in activities that were previously pleasurable

3. Difficulty concentrating and focusing

4. Irritability and dfficulty sleeping

Since these symptoms have persisted for up to two months, she would therefore need to see a psychiatrist for reassesment and medications would need to be prescribed