Tony Taylor Case Study Essay

After carefully reading the case study for Tony Taylor and carefully processing the DSM-5 and eliminating all other possible diagnosis, I determined that Tony properly fits the DSM-5 criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (F60.2). One key evidence that directed me to diagnosed Tony with this disorder will be that he already had a psychiatric chart that has an extensive criminal record with a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder. Another evidence that led me to formulate this diagnosis, was that the staff in the shelter that he was in described him as "manipulative" and "charming." The DSM-5 list Deceitfulness as their diagnostic criteria A2 for Antisocial Personality Disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Tony was
reported to have a long history of abuse of alcohol, heroin, and cocaine. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria A1 states “Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors, as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p.659). Tony was reported to have several arrests of felonies which including armed robbery and kidnapping, and he was reported to always seems to have an explanation that minimizes his own responsibility with the crimes. He was also thrown out by the lady that he was living with due to his temper and substance abuse, and has not worked for the past 7 years and has never paid child support to his wife. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria A6 states “Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p.659).
One last evidence that led me towards Tony diagnoses was at the age of 19, after an argument with his wife, he cut his wrists and was hospitalized for 6 months and over the following 20 years of his life, there have been multiple hospitalizations following his suicidal or violent impulses. In one of his suicidal/violent impulses, he jumped off a bridge and sustained multiple fractures. The DSM-5 criteria A3 and A5 list Impulsivity (A3) and Reckless disregards for safety of self and others (A5) as some of the diagnostic features for Antisocial Personality Disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
When completing an assessment for Tony, one factor that should be closely considered to help justify his diagnose would be his pervious diagnostic history, his childhood/family and psychiatric histories and his criminal background.
Tony was reported to have a pervious diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder and an extensive criminal record. Although there was no evidence of manic symptoms, nor has he ever had delusions or hallucinations, he reportedly cut his wrists at 19 years old and like mentioned above, over the pass 20 years have had multiple hospitalizations when he was suicidal or had violent impulses. In one case, he jumped off a bridge, sustaining multiple fractures. His mother had nine children and his siblings and him all has psychiatric or substance abuse issues. Tony was physically abused by some of his mother's boyfriends and dropped out of school in the seventh grade because "a teacher embarrassed me." These factors mentioned above needs to be carefully considered when an assessment is done for Tony. These factors will help to get a better background knowledge about Tony’s childhood/family and medical history, criminal background, and any pervious psychiatric history. This will furthermore help to discovered the root of his symptoms to diagnose him with the right
disorder.
Some treatment option that I will consider for Tony’s Antisocial Personality Disorder (F60.2) will be Psychotherapy, family, and behavioral therapies. I will consider using Family and Behavior therapies as a form of treatment for his disorder to help him resolved conflicts that his family might have and focused on changing harmful behaviors that might be linked to psychological distress and his poor impulse control. I will also use Psychotherapy (Talk therapy) to help treat his Antisocial Personality disorder.