Directions: After reading the case study below, pretend that you are responsible

Question

Directions: After reading the case study below, pretend that you are responsible for diagnosing the individual. Remember to include the reason for your decision for each diagnosis below. Please consider any of the disorders that we have discussed so far in our five weeks together. Due date is prior to Sunday at 11:59 pm. The DSM 5 has moved diagnosing away from utilizing the 5 axial system. Information to help with the diagnosis. Principal disorder that needs immediate attention; e.g., a major depressive episode, an exacerbation of schizophrenia, or a flare-up of panic disorder. It is usually (though not always) the disorder that brings the person "through the office door. Personality disorder that may be shaping the current response to the original diagnosis Indicate any developmental disorders or a learning disability. It is important to remember that this person may not have a personality disorder. Medical or neurological problems that may be relevant to the individual's current or past psychiatric problems; for example, someone with severe asthma may experience respiratory symptoms that are easily confused with a panic attack, or indeed, which may precipitate a panic attack. For this exercise, please use one or more of the following to relate any psychosocial or environmental issues the person is experiencing. Problems with primary support group Problems related to the social environment Educational problems Occupational problems Housing problems Economic problems Problems with access to health care service Problems related to interaction with the legal system/crime Other psychosocial and environmental problems

Explanation / Answer

Answer:

Diagnosis: the patient presents a pattern typical of alcohol use disorder.

Symptoms: the following symptoms support the primary diagnosis- chronic binge drinking during morning, and night ( minimum of 10 pints of beer) and multiple drug use ( alcohol and Excedrin), inability to control aggressive behaviour under the effect of intoxication, instances of violence and physical abuse towards his family, history of criminal records for drunk driving, denial of one’s maladaptive dependence on alcohol and seeing it as a problem for others, interpersonal conflicts due to substance related aggression.

Personality disorder: Immanuel shows signs of being depressed and his history of dental surgery indicates that his feelings of depression have reduced his interest in self care activities. However, there is not enough evidence to make a hasty diagnosis of a comorbid depressive personality disorder yet.

Problems with primary support group:

Immanuel reported a history of abuse by his father during his childhood. His experience with abuse is perhaps related to his anger and aggression toward his own spouse and daughter. His dependence on alcohol has further exacerbated his conflict since with his children and wife as he becomes physically aggressive under the effect of alcohol.

Economic difficulties: his inability to sustain a stable job has resulted in a great deal of financial difficulties and uncertainty about ensuring the basic necessities of life for the family.

Medical condition: Immanuel has a history of heart problems and dental surgery due to lack of dental hygiene and self care. He is currently under treatment for his Heart condition.

History of legal or criminal issues: Immanuel has a history of sexually abusing his daughter, unrepsonsible use of weapons and getting arrested for driving under the effect of alcohol.

Treatment plan:

It is recommended that the case can benefit from a combination of psychopharmacological treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with substance use disorder and behaviour modification treatment to control his aggressive impulse and alcohol dependence. In addition, intervention by the community social service agency is suggested to ensure necessary support to his wife and daughter who have suffered major abuse because of his alcohol dependence.

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