Psychological Disorder Analysis
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER ANALYSIS
Psychological Disorder Analysis
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Marla, a 42-year-old Hispanic female, came to the mental health clinic expressing complaints of feeling “jumpy” all the time, having trouble sleeping, and is experiencing problems with concentration. Marla states these symptoms are beginning to cause problems for her at her job. The limited information provided makes it difficult to analyze Marla’s disorder. However, the symptoms suggest that Marla may be suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can be difficult to diagnose and is often unrecognized. Posttraumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder which can develop from having experienced a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. A traumatic event might be military combat experience, violent personal attacks, or accidents. While Marla’s profile does not state the existence of a traumatic event in her life, it is normal for the individual to withhold this information as it may be very difficult for them to relive the event. The DSM-IV states one of the criteria of PTSD is increased levels of arousal including insomnia, irritability, and hypervigilance. “People with these disorders may feel overly alert, be easily startled, develop sleep problems, and have trouble concentrating” (Comer, 2005) (pg. 136). Marla has admitted that she is not sleeping well, is having trouble concentrating, and feels jumpy all the time which relates to being easily startled. Many times individuals are misdiagnosed because of the commonality of symptoms between disorders. Without doing a more in depth interview with Marla it would be very difficult to give an accurate diagnosis. With that in mind, the following is a mock interview with Marla to better understand her disorder. Clinician: The first thing I would like to do is learn more about you Marla. Tell me a little about yourself. Marla: Well, I am
Psychological Disorder Analysis
Your Name
Your School
Marla, a 42-year-old Hispanic female, came to the mental health clinic expressing complaints of feeling “jumpy” all the time, having trouble sleeping, and is experiencing problems with concentration. Marla states these symptoms are beginning to cause problems for her at her job. The limited information provided makes it difficult to analyze Marla’s disorder. However, the symptoms suggest that Marla may be suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can be difficult to diagnose and is often unrecognized. Posttraumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder which can develop from having experienced a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. A traumatic event might be military combat experience, violent personal attacks, or accidents. While Marla’s profile does not state the existence of a traumatic event in her life, it is normal for the individual to withhold this information as it may be very difficult for them to relive the event. The DSM-IV states one of the criteria of PTSD is increased levels of arousal including insomnia, irritability, and hypervigilance. “People with these disorders may feel overly alert, be easily startled, develop sleep problems, and have trouble concentrating” (Comer, 2005) (pg. 136). Marla has admitted that she is not sleeping well, is having trouble concentrating, and feels jumpy all the time which relates to being easily startled. Many times individuals are misdiagnosed because of the commonality of symptoms between disorders. Without doing a more in depth interview with Marla it would be very difficult to give an accurate diagnosis. With that in mind, the following is a mock interview with Marla to better understand her disorder. Clinician: The first thing I would like to do is learn more about you Marla. Tell me a little about yourself. Marla: Well, I am
References: Comer, R.J. (2005). Fundamentals of abnormal psychology (4th ed.). New York: Worth. Faces of Abnormal Psychology Interactive. (2007). Posttraumatic stress disorder. Retrieved June 13, 2009 from http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/psychology/faces/bigvid.swf Gore, T.A. (2008). Posttraumatic stress disorder. Retrieved June 14, 2009 from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/288154-overview MedicineNet. (2009). Posttraumatic stress disorder. Retrieved June 14, 2009 from http://www.medicinenet.com/posttraumatic_stress_disorder/index.htm