Ap Psychology Case Study
PSYC 201-01
Exam II
Form A
Name: ____________________________
Student ID #: ______________________
Case Study: carefully read the case study and answer the questions about Sally’s symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. (25 points total)
Sally, is a 19-year-old, Japanese American, woman presenting for counseling with several symptoms, feelings of being "stressed out" about school, and conflicts over her desired major and the one her parent’s prefer. Sally is among the first generation of her family to be born in America. She excelled in high school and was awarded a full academic scholarship to attend a small, rural university. Her family was considered socioeconomically below middle class and consisted of both biological parents …show more content…
and three older brothers. She grew up in a public housing complex in a large city where she often witnessed violent crimes.
Sally reported a history of depression on the paternal side of her family, including her grandfather; an aunt; and, perhaps most significantly, her father during her elementary school years. During her father's experience with depression, Sally reported that he displayed a negative and sometimes avoidant parenting style, causing Sally to perceive difficulty in gaining his approval. Sally also reported feeling left out by her brothers in elementary and middle school, which created significant distress and isolation for her.
Sally has no reported history of trauma or substance use. She reported sleeping almost constantly over the last month. She reports feeling tired and fatigued most of the time. She reported gaining over 15-pounds in the last month. Her grades have dropped significantly lately, and she is in danger of losing her scholarship. Sally reports not feeling motivated to complete homework assignments. When she does try to complete work, she has a hard time focusing on the material. She used to go out with friends from her sorority each weekend. Now she reports staying in her dorm most days and nights of the week. She rarely sees friends or family. Most days, she struggles to get out of bed. She does not feel pleasure or happiness anymore.
1. Does Sally meet the diagnostic criteria for a DSM disorder? If so, which one? Be specific. (7 points)
Diagnosis: ______________________________________________________________
List 3 criteria of the disorder Sally is displaying. Give examples of behavior Sally is exhibiting that fit the criteria of the diagnosis as evidence.
Criteria 1. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 1. _____________________________________________________________________
Criteria 2. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 2. _____________________________________________________________________
Criteria 3. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 3.____________________________________________________________
2. Explain the cause of Sally’s disorder from the model of abnormality of your choice (Biological, Humanistic-Existential, Behavior, Cognitive, Sociocultural, Psychodynamic). Be specific. Include key terms. Use examples to link Sally’s case to the theory (i.e., Sally’s diagnosis is caused by [what your theoretical perspective claims]. Her [a specific thought, behavior, relationship, social context, etc.] is an example of [key term]). (9 points)
Model of Abnormality:________________________
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3. Explain how the model of abnormality you chose (Question 2) would treat Sally. List the treatment methods they would use and describe each one. In your description, include the name of each therapy, describe each step of the therapeutic process in detail, and explain how this therapy works to help Sally with her diagnosis. Include a statement on the main goal of your therapy from the perspective of your model. Be specific. (9 points)
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Case Study: carefully read the case study and answer the questions about Celeste’s symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. (25 points total)
Celeste, a 53-year-old woman, was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of a 4-month history of seizure-like activity including head bobbing and episodic loss of awareness. The onset of these symptoms was 1 week after she had visited an emergency department for a sudden-onset headache. In the emergency department, she developed numbness in her left leg and left arm. She had lab tests and imaging studies. An MRI showed no signs of stroke or neurological trauma.
Six days later, Celeste started having events in which her speech became progressively slower with strange rhythmic patterns. Her arms, head, and then her body would shake for minutes without loss of consciousness. Anti-seizure medications provided relief.
Celeste was then admitted to the hospital for further diagnostic tests including video EEG recording. At admission, she was taking multiple anti-seizure and antianxiety medications.
Several typical episodes with shaking, tremor, and abnormal movements were recorded, with no signs of neurological changes on the EEG. All of Celeste’s presenting symptoms were captured during the her monitoring stay.
Celeste has no history of neurological trauma, substance abuse, or mental illness. Celeste’s husband died 5 months ago in a car accident on his way to pick Celeste up at the airport. Celeste currently lives with her eldest daughter and works part-time.
4. Does Celeste meet the diagnostic criteria for a DSM disorder? If so, which one? Be specific. (7 points)
Diagnosis: ______________________________________________________________
List 3 criteria of the disorder Celeste is displaying. Give examples of behavior Celeste is exhibiting that fit the criteria of the diagnosis as evidence.
Criteria 1. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 1. _____________________________________________________________________
Criteria 2. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 2. _____________________________________________________________________
Criteria 3. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 3.____________________________________________________________
5. Explain the cause of Celeste’s disorder from either the Psychodynamic or Behavioral perspective. Be specific. Include key terms. Use examples to link Celeste’s case to the theory (i.e., Celeste’s diagnosis is caused by [what your theoretical perspective claims]. Her [a specific relationship or behavior] is an example of [key term]). (9 points)
Circle which model of abnormality you chose:
Psychodynamic or Behavioral
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6. Explain how the model of abnormality you chose for Question 5 (Psychodynamic or Behavioral) would treat Sally. List the treatment methods they would use and describe each one. In your description, include the name of each therapy, describe each step of the therapeutic process in detail, and explain how this therapy works to help Sally with her diagnosis. Include a statement on the main goal of your therapy from the perspective of your model. Be specific. (9 points)
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Essay question. Write a response to the following question that is half of a page to one page in length. (20 points)
7. Compare and contrast somatoform disorders with factitious disorders. Explain each disorder individually, first. Include: how are they caused? how do we identify them? what are the signs and symptoms? Then, describe how they are alike and how they are different.
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Multiple choice: select the best answer for each of the following questions. (30 points total)
8. One study found differences in _____________ in the brains of different subpersonalities in people with dissociative identity disorder. a. blood flow b. glucose activity c. evoked potentials d. stress hormones
9. ______ is the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder. a. Prozac b. Imipramine c. Haldol d. Lithium
10. Which is a correct statement about suicide? a. Suicide is classified as a mental disorder by the DSM-IV. b. Many apparent suicides are probably accidents. c. Estimates of suicides are probably high. d. Many apparent accidents are probably suicides.
11. Psychodynamic theorists believe that dissociative disorders are caused by the defense mechanism of:
a. denial. b. repression. c. ritual and undoing. d. compensation. 12. According to the DSM-IV, a major depressive episode is a period marked by at least _____ symptoms of depression and lasting for ____ weeks or more. a. six; two b. five; three c. five; two d. six; six
13. One strategy for studying suicide, which is a kind of psychological autopsy in which clinicians and researchers piece together data from a suicide victim's past, is known as: a. retrospective analysis b. pseudoexperimental research c. archival analysis d. retrograde life detail inspection (RLDI)
14. Melinda is a 23-year-old woman who complains of chronic abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, and lack of sexual desire for which there is no medical cause. She would most likely be diagnosed with:
a. hypochondriasis. b. depersonalization disorder. c. somatization disorder. d. hysteria.
15. Low ________ activity, accompanied by high _________ activity, may lead to mania. a. norepinephrine; serotonin b. serotonin; lithium c. serotonin; norepinephrine d. dopamine; serotonin
16. An unsuccessful attempt to kill oneself is known as: a. monosuicide. b. autosuicide. c. pseudosuicide. d. parasuicide.
17. In case of __________ amnesia, a patient loses all memory of events that took place within a limited period of time, almost always beginning with some disturbing occurrence.
a. localized b. selective c. generalized d. continuous
18. The form of bipolar disorder characterized by episodes of hypomania alternating with major depressive episodes is: a. dysthymic disorder. b. bipolar II disorder. c. cyclothymic disorder. d. bipolar I disorder.
19. People with ___________ suddenly travel to an entirely different location and cannot recall the details of their past lives.
a. circumscribed amnesia b. an amnestic episode c. dissociative fugue d. Briquet's syndrome
20. People who experience mixed feelings, or ambivalence, in their intent to die, even at the moment of their attempt, are known as: a. death seekers. b. death initiators. c. death ignorers. d. death darers.
21. _____________ is the perception that one has no control over the reinforcements in their lives. a. Learned helplessness b. Attributions c. Learned hopelessness d. Self-blame
22. People who experience ____________ become deeply concerned about some imagined or minor defect in their appearance. a. agoraphobia b. dysmorphophobia c. body specific phobia d. hyperphobia
Exam II
Form A
Name: ____________________________
Student ID #: ______________________
Case Study: carefully read the case study and answer the questions about Sally’s symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. (25 points total)
Sally, is a 19-year-old, Japanese American, woman presenting for counseling with several symptoms, feelings of being "stressed out" about school, and conflicts over her desired major and the one her parent’s prefer. Sally is among the first generation of her family to be born in America. She excelled in high school and was awarded a full academic scholarship to attend a small, rural university. Her family was considered socioeconomically below middle class and consisted of both biological parents …show more content…
and three older brothers. She grew up in a public housing complex in a large city where she often witnessed violent crimes.
Sally reported a history of depression on the paternal side of her family, including her grandfather; an aunt; and, perhaps most significantly, her father during her elementary school years. During her father's experience with depression, Sally reported that he displayed a negative and sometimes avoidant parenting style, causing Sally to perceive difficulty in gaining his approval. Sally also reported feeling left out by her brothers in elementary and middle school, which created significant distress and isolation for her.
Sally has no reported history of trauma or substance use. She reported sleeping almost constantly over the last month. She reports feeling tired and fatigued most of the time. She reported gaining over 15-pounds in the last month. Her grades have dropped significantly lately, and she is in danger of losing her scholarship. Sally reports not feeling motivated to complete homework assignments. When she does try to complete work, she has a hard time focusing on the material. She used to go out with friends from her sorority each weekend. Now she reports staying in her dorm most days and nights of the week. She rarely sees friends or family. Most days, she struggles to get out of bed. She does not feel pleasure or happiness anymore.
1. Does Sally meet the diagnostic criteria for a DSM disorder? If so, which one? Be specific. (7 points)
Diagnosis: ______________________________________________________________
List 3 criteria of the disorder Sally is displaying. Give examples of behavior Sally is exhibiting that fit the criteria of the diagnosis as evidence.
Criteria 1. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 1. _____________________________________________________________________
Criteria 2. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 2. _____________________________________________________________________
Criteria 3. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 3.____________________________________________________________
2. Explain the cause of Sally’s disorder from the model of abnormality of your choice (Biological, Humanistic-Existential, Behavior, Cognitive, Sociocultural, Psychodynamic). Be specific. Include key terms. Use examples to link Sally’s case to the theory (i.e., Sally’s diagnosis is caused by [what your theoretical perspective claims]. Her [a specific thought, behavior, relationship, social context, etc.] is an example of [key term]). (9 points)
Model of Abnormality:________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Explain how the model of abnormality you chose (Question 2) would treat Sally. List the treatment methods they would use and describe each one. In your description, include the name of each therapy, describe each step of the therapeutic process in detail, and explain how this therapy works to help Sally with her diagnosis. Include a statement on the main goal of your therapy from the perspective of your model. Be specific. (9 points)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Case Study: carefully read the case study and answer the questions about Celeste’s symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. (25 points total)
Celeste, a 53-year-old woman, was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of a 4-month history of seizure-like activity including head bobbing and episodic loss of awareness. The onset of these symptoms was 1 week after she had visited an emergency department for a sudden-onset headache. In the emergency department, she developed numbness in her left leg and left arm. She had lab tests and imaging studies. An MRI showed no signs of stroke or neurological trauma.
Six days later, Celeste started having events in which her speech became progressively slower with strange rhythmic patterns. Her arms, head, and then her body would shake for minutes without loss of consciousness. Anti-seizure medications provided relief.
Celeste was then admitted to the hospital for further diagnostic tests including video EEG recording. At admission, she was taking multiple anti-seizure and antianxiety medications.
Several typical episodes with shaking, tremor, and abnormal movements were recorded, with no signs of neurological changes on the EEG. All of Celeste’s presenting symptoms were captured during the her monitoring stay.
Celeste has no history of neurological trauma, substance abuse, or mental illness. Celeste’s husband died 5 months ago in a car accident on his way to pick Celeste up at the airport. Celeste currently lives with her eldest daughter and works part-time.
4. Does Celeste meet the diagnostic criteria for a DSM disorder? If so, which one? Be specific. (7 points)
Diagnosis: ______________________________________________________________
List 3 criteria of the disorder Celeste is displaying. Give examples of behavior Celeste is exhibiting that fit the criteria of the diagnosis as evidence.
Criteria 1. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 1. _____________________________________________________________________
Criteria 2. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 2. _____________________________________________________________________
Criteria 3. _____________________________________________________________________
Example 3.____________________________________________________________
5. Explain the cause of Celeste’s disorder from either the Psychodynamic or Behavioral perspective. Be specific. Include key terms. Use examples to link Celeste’s case to the theory (i.e., Celeste’s diagnosis is caused by [what your theoretical perspective claims]. Her [a specific relationship or behavior] is an example of [key term]). (9 points)
Circle which model of abnormality you chose:
Psychodynamic or Behavioral
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Explain how the model of abnormality you chose for Question 5 (Psychodynamic or Behavioral) would treat Sally. List the treatment methods they would use and describe each one. In your description, include the name of each therapy, describe each step of the therapeutic process in detail, and explain how this therapy works to help Sally with her diagnosis. Include a statement on the main goal of your therapy from the perspective of your model. Be specific. (9 points)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Essay question. Write a response to the following question that is half of a page to one page in length. (20 points)
7. Compare and contrast somatoform disorders with factitious disorders. Explain each disorder individually, first. Include: how are they caused? how do we identify them? what are the signs and symptoms? Then, describe how they are alike and how they are different.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Multiple choice: select the best answer for each of the following questions. (30 points total)
8. One study found differences in _____________ in the brains of different subpersonalities in people with dissociative identity disorder. a. blood flow b. glucose activity c. evoked potentials d. stress hormones
9. ______ is the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder. a. Prozac b. Imipramine c. Haldol d. Lithium
10. Which is a correct statement about suicide? a. Suicide is classified as a mental disorder by the DSM-IV. b. Many apparent suicides are probably accidents. c. Estimates of suicides are probably high. d. Many apparent accidents are probably suicides.
11. Psychodynamic theorists believe that dissociative disorders are caused by the defense mechanism of:
a. denial. b. repression. c. ritual and undoing. d. compensation. 12. According to the DSM-IV, a major depressive episode is a period marked by at least _____ symptoms of depression and lasting for ____ weeks or more. a. six; two b. five; three c. five; two d. six; six
13. One strategy for studying suicide, which is a kind of psychological autopsy in which clinicians and researchers piece together data from a suicide victim's past, is known as: a. retrospective analysis b. pseudoexperimental research c. archival analysis d. retrograde life detail inspection (RLDI)
14. Melinda is a 23-year-old woman who complains of chronic abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, and lack of sexual desire for which there is no medical cause. She would most likely be diagnosed with:
a. hypochondriasis. b. depersonalization disorder. c. somatization disorder. d. hysteria.
15. Low ________ activity, accompanied by high _________ activity, may lead to mania. a. norepinephrine; serotonin b. serotonin; lithium c. serotonin; norepinephrine d. dopamine; serotonin
16. An unsuccessful attempt to kill oneself is known as: a. monosuicide. b. autosuicide. c. pseudosuicide. d. parasuicide.
17. In case of __________ amnesia, a patient loses all memory of events that took place within a limited period of time, almost always beginning with some disturbing occurrence.
a. localized b. selective c. generalized d. continuous
18. The form of bipolar disorder characterized by episodes of hypomania alternating with major depressive episodes is: a. dysthymic disorder. b. bipolar II disorder. c. cyclothymic disorder. d. bipolar I disorder.
19. People with ___________ suddenly travel to an entirely different location and cannot recall the details of their past lives.
a. circumscribed amnesia b. an amnestic episode c. dissociative fugue d. Briquet's syndrome
20. People who experience mixed feelings, or ambivalence, in their intent to die, even at the moment of their attempt, are known as: a. death seekers. b. death initiators. c. death ignorers. d. death darers.
21. _____________ is the perception that one has no control over the reinforcements in their lives. a. Learned helplessness b. Attributions c. Learned hopelessness d. Self-blame
22. People who experience ____________ become deeply concerned about some imagined or minor defect in their appearance. a. agoraphobia b. dysmorphophobia c. body specific phobia d. hyperphobia