Case Examples Students are required to practice classifying mental illnesses usi

Question

Case Examples

Students are required to practice classifying mental illnesses using the diagnostic process of the DSM-5. Read the case examples and think about whether or not the client would meet criteria for a mental disorder. Explain your decision.

Case #1: Tim is a 17-year old Hispanic youth who was referred by his probation officer after being incarcerated for several months for vandalism. Tim presents with an angry affect and discloses to you that he is gang involved and that he plans on making a living being a "player," selling drugs and vandalizing property. He reports to you that his alcoholic father beats him and that his mother is usually "nowhere to be found.” His academic performance is low along with his school attendance. He is also disruptive in the classroom and feels that "nobody cares anyway.”

Case #2: Claudia is a 26-year-old Caucasian female, who was brought to your office by her mother whom she does not live with. Claudia also has a history of being late to work, lack of motivation, and negative attitude toward her co-workers. In your first session, Claudia states that she does think of hurting herself but has no specific plan. She does relate to you that she likes to play with knives and other sharp objects but states that she does not intend to use these instruments to hurt herself. She admits that she frequently abuses marijuana and reveals to you that she might be pregnant. She asks you not to tell her mother as she feels her mother may put her out. When asked about her behavior at home, Claudia reports that her mother frequently “gets on my nerves” and, at those times, Claudia will leave the house for several days.

Case #3: Zack is a 9-year old boy who is bi-racial (Zack’s father is African American). His mother, Molly (37 year old single Caucasian female) came to your office asking for help in counseling Zack. She stated that he was sad all the time, had no friends at home (in the apartment complex where they lived), at school and even at church. Yesterday she was called in for a parent teacher conference and was told by the teacher that Zack did not get along with any of his classmates. Zack was sent to the principal’s office two weeks ago because he “accidentally” touched another male student in his private part while playing soccer during recess. Zack said that he is a Christian but sometimes does “bad” things. He hopes that God will forgive him. During this session Zack has responded to all the questions you have asked with a quiet and sometimes small voice. He very seldom makes eye contact with you and keeps his head down looking at the floor for most of the session.

Explanation / Answer

The process of DSM5 criteria consists of the following 6 steps,

Case 1: The person suffers from adjustment disorders due to lack of support by parents.

Case 2: The patient is under substance abuse disorder as she reported using marijuana

Case 3: The behavior of the boy is normal and counselling can effectively cure the problem.

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