Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the fo

 
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:
Address a colleague’s analysis and evaluation of the topic(s).
Expand or remark upon a colleague’s integration of relevant resources.
Answer question(s) posed by your colleague for further discussion.
Link a colleague’s posting to other postings or to course materials and concepts, where appropriate and relevant.
Extend or constructively challenge your colleague’s work.
Otherwise expand upon your colleagues’ postings.
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Distinctions Between Bipolar and Depressive Disorders
Bipolar and depressive disorders are both mood disorders but differ in key characteristics.
Bipolar Disorders:

Bipolar I Disorder: Characterized by manic episodes lasting at least 7 days or requiring hospital care. Depressive episodes may occur but aren’t necessary for diagnosis (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Bipolar II Disorder: Involves depressive and hypomanic episodes but not full-blown manic episodes (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Cyclothymia Disorder: Features periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting at least 2 years, but not meeting full criteria for either (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Depressive Disorders:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent low mood for at least two weeks, without mania or hypomania (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Chronic, mild depression lasting at least two years (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Severe temper outbursts in children, with a consistently irritable mood (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Impact of Misdiagnosis
To the Client:
Misdiagnosis may lead to treatment delays and ineffective coping strategies, potentially exacerbating symptoms (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Misunderstanding the condition may cause frustration, confusion, or stigma (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
To the Agency:
Resources may be misallocated, impacting the quality of care (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Lack of appropriate staff training or protocols can hinder effective treatment (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
To the Insurance Provider:
Increased costs due to inappropriate treatments (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Difficulty processing claims for misdiagnosed conditions (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Use of “Other Specified” and “Unspecified” Diagnoses

Other Specified Diagnosis: Used when symptoms don’t fully match a specific disorder but can be addressed with tailored treatment (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Unspecified Diagnosis: Used when there is insufficient information for a specific diagnosis, potentially delaying treatment (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Specifier “With Anxious Distress”

Definition: Used when anxiety significantly co-occurs with a mood disorder, impacting treatment decisions (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

Impact on the Client: Accurate recognition of this specifier allows for better treatment planning, addressing both mood and anxiety symptoms (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Links to an external site..
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). DSM-5-TR online assessment measures. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm/educational-resources/assessment-measuresLinks to an external site..
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Identify the distinctions between key characteristics for the diagnosis of bipolar and depressive disorders.
Depressive disorders are characterized by a depressive mood (i.e., feeling sad or hopeless) lasting most of the day (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). The individual has little pleasure in daily activities, fatigue, and weight loss or gain (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). The individual also may suffer from insomnia, thoughts of worthlessness and death, and lose their ability to concentrate.  While bipolar disorders can have major depressive episodes, their condition is distinct in the occurrence of a manic episode. A manic episode is a period of abnormally and persistently elevated or irritable mood and an increased level of activity that lasts a minimum of one week. During this period, there is a decreased need for sleep and inflated self-esteem(American Psychiatric Association, 2022). They become more talkative and involved in activities that can have painful consequences (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). 
Explain the impact of misdiagnosis from a lack of understanding of these distinctions, including to the client, to the agency, or to an insurance provider.
Misdiagnosis for the client could mean that they are not receiving proper treatment, such as medication, to allow them to lead a functional and healthy lifestyle. Bipolar II can mimic depression since the patient has been in the depression episode for an extensive time, so the misdiagnosis would be the patient beginning to increase their thoughts of hopelessness if their depression medications aren’t working (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). They feel the chances of them enjoying life are hopeless. It is this misdiagnosis that could account for the one-third of the population with bipolar II who report a lifetime of suicide attempts because they believe they will forever be stuck in a life of sadness and hopelessness (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). 
Explain when you would use “other specified” and “unspecified” when diagnosing mental disorders. Explain the impact to the client.
the use of “unspecified” or “other specified” during diagnostics can fail to provide the patient with an explanation of what is happening to them. When a professional uses unspecified, it’s because they do not feel they have received enough history from the patient to make a solid diagnosis (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). In this scenario, it is most likely that the patient would need to speak with a clinician to provide more information so that a diagnosis can be completed. For the “unspecified” diagnosis, the patient is showing signs of the disorders but has not met the full criteria, this could be that perhaps the patient is developing or in the beginning stages of expressing the disorder and has caught it early. 
Explain the specifier “with anxious distress and when you would use it.”
 This specifier is used when two or more anxiety symptoms are present during the majority of the days during a manic or depression episode. This is important to note because higher anxiety levels have been associated with higher risks of suicide (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).  This specifier is associated with both bipolar and depression disorders. 
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5-TR) (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

  Respond to at least two colleagues who discussed different leadership skills.

 
Respond to at least two colleagues who discussed different leadership skills. Explain the importance of building these skills and how they relate to facilitating the group process.
Use the Learning Resources to support your posts. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list. 
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Facilitation of Group Processes
The social worker demonstrates effective facilitation by encouraging open dialogue and active listening. They reflect on participants’ comments and ask follow-up questions to ensure understanding, promoting emotional expression and group cohesion. The social worker also creates a safe space for members to share struggles, as seen in Jake’s discussion of his alcohol use and family conflicts. To improve, the social worker could invite quieter members to participate more actively, promoting balanced group engagement​.
Data Gathering and Assessment
The social worker gathers data by observing group dynamics and using open-ended questions. This approach helps identify underlying issues, like Jake’s emotional distress linked to unresolved trauma. The social worker tracks emotional shifts within the group and prompts exploration of key issues. To enhance assessment, the social worker could offer individualized feedback to encourage participation and recognize contributions from less vocal members​.
Action
Conflict resolution skills are evident in the social worker’s handling of tension between Jake and Bill. By addressing emotions and prompting reflection, the social worker maintains a positive group atmosphere. The social worker also encourages positive behavioral change by promoting healthy coping strategies, like alternative stress management techniques. Role clarification could be improved by outlining participant responsibilities, fostering a stronger sense of purpose within the group​.
Suggested Method for Initiating the Group Conversation
An alternative way to start the group conversation is a check-in round where each member shares a recent challenge or emotional reflection. This approach encourages early participation, fosters inclusion, and provides insight into members’ emotional states, enabling the social worker to tailor support accordingly​
References
Ezhumalai, S., Muralidhar, D., Dhanasekarapandian R., & Nikketha, B. S. (2018). Group interventionsLinks to an external site.. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 60, S514–S521. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_42_18Links to an external site.
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Pearson.
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Post your evaluation of the group social worker’s leadership skills in the Levy video, using at least two items from each of the three categories found in the Toseland and Rivas chapter (facilitation of group processes, data gathering and assessment, and action).
Facilitation of Group Processes
Involved group members: The worker encouraged contributions from group members by asking for tips on managing anger and promoting active participation (Toseland & Rivas, 2017).
Attended to others: The worker created a welcoming environment through active listening, reinforcing group cohesion and trust (Toseland & Rivas, 2017).
Data Gathering and Assessment
Requesting information, questioning, and probing: The worker sensitively asked Laura about her reasons for attending, ensuring relevant input (Toseland & Rivas, 2017).
Analyzing information: The worker facilitated the group exploring new anger-management techniques, encouraging critical thinking (Toseland & Rivas, 2017).
Action
Giving advice, suggestions, or instructions: The worker instructed members to introduce themselves, fostering rapport (Toseland & Rivas, 2017).
Resolving conflicts: The worker mediated conflicts, maintaining a constructive atmosphere (Toseland & Rivas, 2017).
Suggest another way the social worker might have initiated the group conversation.
To initiate the conversation, the worker could have asked members to reflect on a recent anger-triggering situation, making the discussion more personal and relevant.
Reference
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Pearson.
Walden University. Group therapy.  https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/144346/pages/week-4-learning-resources?module_item_id=5694216

  Release Date: November 2020 Are you ready to put your rhythm skills to the te

 
Release Date: November 2020
Are you ready to put your rhythm skills to the test and embark on an unforgettable musical journey? Look no further than the electrifying Friday Night Funkin! This online sensation combines catchy tunes, vibrant graphics, and thrilling gameplay, making it a must-try for gamers and music enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive into the colorful world of Friday Night Funkin learn how to play, and discover what makes this game a true masterpiece!
What is Friday Night Funkin?
Friday Night Funkin’ is a rhythm-based indie game that challenges players to match notes and rhythms to impress their girlfriend’s father, the formidableDaddy Dearest. With charming characters, funky beats, and exciting levels, this game invites players to tap into their groove and face off against a variety of creative opponents. With its nostalgic nods to classic rhythm games and modern flair, Friday Night Funkin has taken the gaming community by storm.
How to Play Friday Night Funkin
Playing Friday Night Funkin is a blast, and it’s as easy as following the beat! Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
Step 1: Choose Your Mode
When you first start Friday Night Funkin, you’ll have a few options. You can jump straight into the story mode, where you’ll face various opponents and try to impress your girlfriend’s family, or you can go for free play mode to practice your skills with any of the tracks.
Step 2: Understand the Controls
The controls are simple and intuitive:

Arrow Keys: Hit the up, down, left, and right arrow keys on your keyboard to match the notes on the screen.

Z: Press to confirm your selection.

X: Use this to return to the main menu.
If you’re on mobile, the touch interface is designed for easy tapping, allowing you to groove to the beat with just your fingers!
Step 3: Feel the Rhythm
The core of Friday Night Funkin lies in your ability to follow the music. As the notes flow down the screen, match your key presses with the arrows in time with the beat. It’s essential to catch every note to build up your score and keep your character’s performance going strong!
Step 4: Watch Out for Your Opponents
Throughout your journey, you’ll face off against various rivals, each with their unique musical style and difficulty. Pay close attention to the timing and patterns of their notes, as they will throw challenges your way. Don’t get discouraged—shake off those missed notes and keep dancing to the rhythm!
Step 5: Adjust the Difficulty
As you progress, you can tweak the difficulty level according to your skill:

Easy: Perfect for beginners to understand the game mechanics.

Normal: A balanced challenge for casual gamers.

Hard: For those who think they can handle the heat and are up for a challenge!
Why You’ll Love Friday Night Funkin’
The appeal of Friday Night Funkin lies in its vibrant art style and catchy music that make you want to get up and dance! Each level is uniquely designed with colorful backgrounds and engaging animations, creating an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. The game also features an array of dynamic characters and catchy original soundtracks that will have the tunes stuck in your head long after your game session concludes.
Moreover, its community is ever-growing, with fans creating new mods, characters, and songs. This means there’s no shortage of content to explore, keeping the fun alive!
Conclusion: A Funky Adventure Awaits!
So, are you ready to jump into the world of Friday Night Funkin? Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer looking for a fun way to unwind, this game promises an exhilarating musical experience that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. With its easy-to-learn controls and vibrant visuals, Friday Night Funkin’ invites you to groove at your own pace while challenging your rhythm skills to their limits!
Join the ever-expanding community, challenge your friends, and test your dancing prowess in this funk-filled universe. The stage is set, the music is pumping, and it’s time for you to show your moves! Get started today and let the battle of funk begins!
Now that you’re equipped with all the information you need, head over to Friday Night Funkin and let the fun begin!