Hopelessness Syndrome
The Hopelessness Syndrome: A Maladaptive Response The focus of the Capstone project is on the hopeless syndrome.
This is seen in patients with terminal illnesses, such as cancer and AIDS, and identified in the psychiatric arena with suicidal ideations, suicidal attempts, hopelessness, worthless, lack of remorse, lack of desire to adhere his or her plan, arrogant behavior towards staff, and non-compliance with regulations. Additionally, these patients suffer from depression, are withdrawn, easily agitated, mood intense, etc. People behave in different ways whenever they are diagnosed with a condition or an illness. The behavior or conduct may prevent the victims from adjusting positively. Thus, the response is assumed as being maladaptive.
In most instances, these types of responses are common among individuals who are diagnosed with progressive or chronic conditions. One example of the maladaptive response is the hopelessness syndrome. A person suffering from that syndrome showssymptoms such as lethargy, crying, sadness, and withdrawal. Specifically, some victims could harbor feelings that their lives are approaching an end. This happens when the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness is experienced.
When such conduct is spotted, it is plausible to take corrective measures to help the victim adjust to the diagnosis so that he or she is able to lead a normal life.Diagnostic Tool It is recognizable that some of the characteristics that are seen in other conditions are also seen in the hopelessness syndrome diagnosis. For that reason, developing a diagnostic tool exclusive to the hopelessness syndrome is desirable. The diagnostic tool for the syndrome to be used encompasses the characteristics to look for in a person suspected to be suffering from the syndrome. In an event that such a characteristic such as hopelessness is spotted before a diagnosis, it is recommended that it should be excluded from the list of the characteristics. In other words, those chharacteristics which are spotted before the diagnosis should be excluded, although they are important.
Desired Treatment OutcomesThe persons diagnosed with the hopelessness syndrome encounter difficulties moving forward or coping with the outcome of the diagnosis. Put simply, the diagnosis paralyzes victims’ lives. Hence, interventions are necessary in order to involve the victims or have them to participate in their recovery process. The primary goal of the intervention is to ensure that they have optimal life. If effective interventions are put in place, the affected individuals should be able to express their feelings on the outcome of the diagnosis.
For instance, the victims should be able to recognize treatment plans, as well as the implications of failure, to adhere to the plans. Furthermore, they should lead approved lifestyle changes, which could entail the involvement of loved ones. Individuals will have a desire to live and participate in their treatment plan.
