During my first site visit, I presented a patient who was admitted to the psychiatric ER for suicidal ideations. This young woman was an overwhelmed individual who found it difficult to adjust to situations surrounding COVID, a loss of a job, and breakup with a long-term boyfriend. I found this case particularly interesting because I was able to understand how she was feeling and could even relate some of my feelings and worries surrounding all these unknowns. The PA and I discussed the importance of talk therapy and staying in touch with loved ones during this time, and how it is okay to feel stressed and take a step back to care for yourself. My site evaluator and I discussed many differential diagnoses for this patient, and determined that adjustment disorder best fit as her diagnosis.

During my second site evaluation, I presented another patient with persistent depressive disorder, pharm cards, and an article. My article discussed research on CBT vs stress management therapy for those diagnosed with OCD. It was concluded that CBT plus pharmacological treatment offers the best treatment option, and proves how important CBT plays a role in OCD. My site evaluator gave good constructive feedback and told me ways I could improve on taking psychiatric histories.

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