Psychological Disorder Analysis
Psychological Disorder Analysis PSY/270
July 18, 2010
Aubrey Noble
Psychological Disorder Analysis
Psychological disorders can be very debilitating for those who suffer from them. Psychological disorders affect a person’s ability to function normally in their daily lives. In the following case study, you will be introduces to Marla, a Hispanic female who is suffering from an undiagnosed mental disorder. There are many different possible causes that are leading to Marla’s symptoms. A clinical interview will be performed in order to determine a correct diagnosis. Marla appears to suffer from Dysthymic disorder. I will discuss the origin of dysthymic disorder based on the socio-cultural viewpoint. Now that we have a diagnosis, I will explain the disorder and offer treatment methods to alleviate Marla’s symptoms. Marla is a 42-year-old Hispanic female who comes to the mental health clinic complaining of having trouble sleeping, feeling "jumpy all of the time," and experiencing an inability to concentrate. These symptoms are causing problems for her at work, where she is an accountant. Marla’s symptoms are vague and could be caused by several different psychological disorders. Some possible disorders that could be causing Marla’s symptoms are major depressive disorder, attention deficit disorder, dysthymic disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. Note that these are just some of the possible disorders that could be the culprit of Marla’s symptoms. When Marla entered my office, she seemed to be anxious and feeling down. I politely asked her to come into my office and have a seat. I then began talking with Marla to make her feel more at ease. Once she seemed to be more comfortable, I began to ask her a series of questions in order to form a diagnosis. The dialogue took place as follows:
Tiffany: Good morning Marla. My name is Tiffany. I will be performing your clinical assessment today. How are you feeling today?
Marla:
July 18, 2010
Aubrey Noble
Psychological Disorder Analysis
Psychological disorders can be very debilitating for those who suffer from them. Psychological disorders affect a person’s ability to function normally in their daily lives. In the following case study, you will be introduces to Marla, a Hispanic female who is suffering from an undiagnosed mental disorder. There are many different possible causes that are leading to Marla’s symptoms. A clinical interview will be performed in order to determine a correct diagnosis. Marla appears to suffer from Dysthymic disorder. I will discuss the origin of dysthymic disorder based on the socio-cultural viewpoint. Now that we have a diagnosis, I will explain the disorder and offer treatment methods to alleviate Marla’s symptoms. Marla is a 42-year-old Hispanic female who comes to the mental health clinic complaining of having trouble sleeping, feeling "jumpy all of the time," and experiencing an inability to concentrate. These symptoms are causing problems for her at work, where she is an accountant. Marla’s symptoms are vague and could be caused by several different psychological disorders. Some possible disorders that could be causing Marla’s symptoms are major depressive disorder, attention deficit disorder, dysthymic disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. Note that these are just some of the possible disorders that could be the culprit of Marla’s symptoms. When Marla entered my office, she seemed to be anxious and feeling down. I politely asked her to come into my office and have a seat. I then began talking with Marla to make her feel more at ease. Once she seemed to be more comfortable, I began to ask her a series of questions in order to form a diagnosis. The dialogue took place as follows:
Tiffany: Good morning Marla. My name is Tiffany. I will be performing your clinical assessment today. How are you feeling today?
Marla:
References: A.D.A.M., Inc.. (2010). Google Health. Retrieved from https://health.google.com/health/ref/Dysthymia McGraw-Hill. (2007). Faces of Abnormal Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/psychology/faces/bigvid.swf