Case Study Analysis: Major Depressive Disorder in Jenny
PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 2 Jenny, a single female aged 35, presented at the clinic with symptoms that meet Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as per the DSM-5 criteria. To qualify for MDD, as per the DSM-5, patients should have 5 out of 9 of these particular symptoms for a minimum of 2 weeks: (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Jenny’s symptoms of insomnia, fatigue, loss of interest in activities she used to enjoy, significant weight loss, and difficulty concentrating are all consistent with the diagnostic criteria for MDD (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). There were also no medical or physical reasons provided for her symptoms, so the appropriate diagnosis was MDD.
Case Study Analysis: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Fred
Fred, who is a bachelor, has been experiencing daily panic attacks following an experience of traumatic robbery at gunpoint. His intrusive memory symptoms, avoidance of reminders, alienation from others, hypervigilance, and reckless behavior are congruent with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Fred’s bus avoidance and risky bicycling behavior exemplify substantial alteration in arousal and reactivity, characteristic of PTSD (Neil Greenberg et al., 2015). Somatic or substance-related etiologies for his symptoms being absent, the diagnosis of PTSD is confirmed.
Case Study Analysis: Bipolar I Disorder in Sally
Sally, a 23-year-old woman, exhibits symptoms characteristic of Bipolar I Disorder, with its defining manic episodes. Sally’s grandiosity, decreased sleep requirement, and engagement in dangerous behavior all qualify as diagnostic criteria for a manic episode outlined in the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 2 Sally’s symptoms of extreme writing, impulsive automobile purchasing, and grandiosity regarding her book all evidence severe impairment in social and occupational functioning, making the diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder more certain. Neither physiological nor substance-induced factors lead to her symptoms, further validating the diagnosis.
Treatment Recommendations for Fred: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) are evidence-based treatments for Fred’s PTSD. CBT modifies trauma cognitions and behaviors within a 12-week course, instructing individuals in coping and reframing traumatic experiences (Fortin et al., 2021). IPT is meant to improve interpersonal relationships and solve current stressors (Bleiberg & Markowitz, 2019).
Both IPT and CBT have been shown to be effective in treating PTSD symptoms and functioning (Mayranezouli et al., 2020). Through the addressing of Fred’s avoidance behaviors and interpersonal issues, both therapies can alleviate his symptoms and enhance his quality of life.
Conclusion
Lastly, the case studies emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans in treating mental health disorders. Employing the DSM-5 criteria and evidence-based therapies such as CBT and IPT, the clinician can effectively enable individuals such as Jenny, Fred, and Sally to cope with their symptoms and improve their well-being.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org
Bleiberg, K. L., & Markowitz, J. C. (2019). Interpersonal psychotherapy for PTSD: Treating trauma without exposure. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 29(1), 15–22. https://doi.org/10.1037/int0000113
PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 2 Diagnosing Using the DS
Fortin, M., Fortin, C., Savard-Kelly, P., Guay, S., & El-Baalbaki, G. (2021). The effects of psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder on quality of life in the civilian population: A meta-analysis of RCTs. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 13(6), 673–683. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000992
Mavranezouli, I., Megnin-Viggars, O., Daly, C., Dias, S., Welton, N. J., Stockton, S., Bhutani, G., Grey, N., Leach, J., Greenberg, N., Katona, C., El-Leithy, S., & Pilling, S. (2020). Psychological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: A network meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 50(4), 542–555. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0033291720000070
PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 2 Diagnosing Using the DS
Neil Greenberg, Samantha Brooks, Rebecca Dunn. (2015). Latest developments in post-traumatic stress disorder: diagnosis and treatment. British Medical Bulletin, Volume 114, Issue 1, June, 147-155. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldv014
