University of Phoenix
PSY 410
November 14, 2011
Case of Joseph Wesbecker
Depression can be a major catalyst for disrupt behavior and unusual patterns of actions which are sometimes difficult to justify. Many are suffering through mild phases of sadness brought up from the loss of a family member, a relationship break up, a job loss, or simply from hereditary components. In fact, more severe conditions can lead to clinical depression that can affect individuals psychologically, biologically, emotionally, and socially. A more particular approach of Joseph Wesbecker 's case of major depression will be analyze in this paper in which the biological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components will be described for a better understanding to why Joseph 's depression led him to suicidal act.
A Brief overview of Joseph Wesbecker story
Joseph Wesbecker is a typical example of a person affected with affect disorder and also with the historical background of violence and mass killing in the workplace. "His case was also the first civil trial concerning the drug Prozac" (Meyer, 2009, p. 107). Joseph had shown severe symptoms of depression that worsen throughout his life, which were diagnosed of affect disorder, influencing his moods with intense depression, suicidal ideation, mania, and anger. He also showed evidence of mania-agitation, but seldom if ever any mania-euphoria.
Joseph Wesbecker was 47, and was divorced twice while being the father of two adult sons. He often voluntarily visited the hospital for his condition and attempt suicidal act more than three times. Because of his mental illness, he had won a determination from human rights that was discriminated against him from his employer, a good reason for his anger to rise. He eventually suffered from blackouts, metal confusion, and fits of anger. The combination of these factors and his mental condition led his employer to give Joseph his disability leave until his
References: Mental Health from e-Notes, Retrieved November 24, 2011 from http://www.enotes.com/mental-health-article. Meyer, R., Chapman, L. K., & Weaver, C. M. (2009). Case studies in abnormal behavior. _(_8th ed.). Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.