PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 2 Diagnosing Using the DSM

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Capella University

PSYC FPX 3110 Abnormal Psychology

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Date

Case Study Analysis: Major Depressive Disorder in Jenny

Jenny, a 35-year-old single woman, presented with symptoms consistent with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), as defined by the DSM-5 criteria. According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of MDD requires the presence of at least 5 out of 9 specific symptoms over a continuous 2-week period (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Jenny’s symptoms, which include insomnia, fatigue, loss of interest in activities she once enjoyed, significant weight loss, and difficulty concentrating, align with the diagnostic criteria for MDD (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Furthermore, there were no physiological or medical explanations for her symptoms, leading to the appropriate diagnosis of MDD.

Case Study Analysis: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Fred

Fred, a single man, has been experiencing daily panic attacks following a traumatic incident in which he was robbed at gunpoint. His symptoms, which include intrusive memories, avoidance of triggers, detachment from others, hypervigilance, and reckless behavior, correspond to the criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as outlined in the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Fred’s avoidance of public transportation and his reckless biking behavior demonstrate significant alterations in arousal and reactivity, which are characteristic of PTSD (Neil Greenberg et al., 2015). The lack of physiological or substance-related explanations for his symptoms further supports the diagnosis of PTSD.

Case Study Analysis: Bipolar I Disorder in Sally

Sally, a 23-year-old woman, displays symptoms indicative of Bipolar I Disorder, characterized by distinct manic episodes. Her symptoms, including inflated self-esteem, reduced need for sleep, and engagement in high-risk activities, align with the criteria for a manic episode as specified in the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Sally’s behaviors, such as excessive writing, impulsive vehicle purchases, and delusions of grandeur regarding her novel, indicate significant impairment in her social and occupational functioning, reinforcing the diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. There are no physiological or substance-related factors contributing to her symptoms, which further supports the diagnosis.

Treatment Recommendations for Fred: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) are recommended treatment options for Fred’s PTSD. CBT aims to address trauma-related thoughts and behaviors over a 12-week period, assisting individuals in developing coping strategies and reframing their traumatic experiences (Fortin et al., 2021). IPT focuses on enhancing interpersonal relationships and addressing current stressors (Bleiberg & Markowitz, 2019).

Both CBT and IPT have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating PTSD symptoms and improving overall functioning (Mayranezouli et al., 2020). By addressing Fred’s avoidance behaviors and interpersonal challenges, these therapies can help reduce his symptoms and enhance his quality of life.

Conclusion

In summary, the case studies underscore the significance of accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies in addressing mental health disorders. By utilizing the DSM-5 criteria and evidence-based interventions such as CBT and IPT, clinicians can effectively assist individuals like Jenny, Fred, and Sally in managing their symptoms and enhancing their overall well-being.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.dsm03

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

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

Mayranezouli, 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