Ethical And Psychological Causes Of Depression

IV. Causes of depression. Although Joe may be suffering from a self-fulfilling prophecy, as evidenced by the chain of events that led to a disabling status, there may also be biological reasons that apply as well. There is enough evidence to prove that depression is genetic; hence, Joe’s familial history of depression, as well as suicide by his uncle. Therefore, Joe may be dealing with both cognitive issues, as well as biological factors that complicate his diagnosis of severe depression. Joe may be fearful that suicide is inevitable for him, based on his family history.
A) Neurochemical factors, part of the biological profile, may also be involved in Joe’s depression symptoms. Two neurotransmitters in the brain are associated with

Ethically and therapeutically building a relationship with Joe is important. All consents should be explained prior to signing, confidentiality should be addressed, and a warm, empathetic, and compassionate environment should be provided. All records are to be kept in an orderly fashion and moral and ethical values should be followed (American Psychological Association (APA), 2010). This is essential to initiating treatment with any client, especially one that has major depression with suicidal ideations; moreover, this relationship should be nourished with trust, honesty, as well as maintains the ethical and moral requirements of the American Psychological Association. This professionalism and trust will be vital to a working relationship with honesty from Joe, as well as his willingness to be honest, and open himself up to another individual, especially a

Monitoring of Joe’s daily status is important to establish his status quo throughout the week when he is not in his therapist’s office. Keeping a journal of his thoughts and feelings, noting them as they change, will help his therapist to assess his mood variations, thoughts and feelings during the day to day stresses of life, including any physical complaints from which he suffered (Disner, S. G., Beevers, C. G., Haigh, E. P., & Beck, A. T., 2011). This will assist the therapist in monitoring Joe’s status when he or she is not with him, as well as any thinking bias, psychosomatic complaints, erratic mood fluctuations, and monitor any medication therapy for any signs of non-compliance, abuse, or side effects, as well as note any positive results from his treatment plan. Short-term goals should be set with Joe, as well as a couple of long-term goals to work toward during his treatment. This will keep Joe focused on the goals at hand, which will result in positive results when he meets said goals. This is part of the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as it will show him that he is not a failure, he can take the initiative to meet his goals, and the world is not against him. According to Auerbach et al. (2013), “Depressed individuals are more sensitive to negative stimuli (e.g. job loss) and less responsive to positive stimuli”, complicating the treatment of a depressed individual; moreover, Joe does not appear to have any positive incentives at first glance but the