PSYC FPX 3130 Case Study Assessment: Mental Health Analysis for Derek

PSYC FPX 3130 Case Study Assessment: Mental Health Analysis for Derek

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC-FPX3130 Criminal Psychology and Behavior

Prof. Name:

Date

Case Study Assessment Form

Directions

Based on the selected case study, the following sections provide a detailed analysis of the client’s biographical data, observed symptoms, diagnostic formulation, biological and situational influences, developmental factors, and proposed assessment. All information aligns with APA (7th edition) formatting and incorporates recent scholarly sources.

Biographical Data

Derek, a 22-year-old African American male, has faced numerous psychiatric challenges since adolescence. He has been intermittently institutionalized in mental health facilities since the age of 13, often displaying impulsive and aggressive behavior. Recently, he was accused of second-degree murder. His emotional instability, poor impulse control, and fluctuating mood patterns suggest an underlying mood disorder that requires thorough diagnostic evaluation.

DSM-5-TR Observed Symptoms

The following table summarizes the observed and unobserved symptoms based on DSM-5-TR criteria.

Depressive Symptoms

Manic Symptoms

Anxiety Symptoms

Psychotic Symptoms

Diagnosis

Name of Diagnosis:

Bipolar I Disorder

Rationale for Diagnosis

Bipolar I Disorder is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by severe mood fluctuations, ranging from manic episodes to depressive episodes. The average age of onset typically occurs between 18 and 22 years (Oliva et al., 2025). Individuals diagnosed with Bipolar I often display intense mood elevation, irritability, or agitation, occasionally accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions (Javier et al., 2025).

Derek’s clinical presentation aligns with the diagnostic features of Bipolar I Disorder. His recurrent manic symptoms—including distractibility, psychomotor agitation, irritability, and risky behaviors—are consistent with the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, his history of hospitalization, violent outbursts, and psychotic-like symptoms (e.g., hallucinations) further support this diagnosis. His age also aligns with the typical developmental window for the onset of bipolar symptoms.

Possible Biological Origins of Behavior

The biological etiology of bipolar disorder involves genetic predispositions, neurotransmitter imbalances, and neurobiological vulnerabilities (First, 2024). Dysregulation in dopamine and serotonin systems can contribute to extreme mood swings and impulsivity. Derek’s family history, although unspecified, may also play a role, as bipolar disorder has a strong hereditary component.

Additionally, neurobiological stressors—such as sleep deprivation and environmental stress—may exacerbate manic and depressive episodes. Derek’s emotional instability following the death of his grandmother and the termination of a romantic relationship suggests that biological sensitivity to stress may trigger severe mood dysregulation.

Possible Learning and Situational Factors Influencing Behavior

Substance use and environmental influences can significantly impact mood stability. Derek admitted to using marijuana and engaging in risky sexual behaviors at a young age. Substance use, particularly cannabis and hallucinogens, can trigger manic-like episodes, especially in genetically predisposed individuals (First, 2024).

Social stressors, such as family conflict, school struggles, and lack of emotional support, can intensify emotional dysregulation. Moreover, his repeated exposure to institutional environments may have reinforced maladaptive behaviors through learned helplessness or negative social modeling.

Developmental Risks and Protective Factors

From early childhood, Derek exhibited signs of emotional volatility, including aggression, impulsivity, and concentration difficulties. By age nine, he demonstrated cyclical mood shifts characterized by intense anger and subsequent calmness. These early manifestations suggest an emerging mood disorder.

While not all individuals with bipolar disorder engage in criminal behavior, unmanaged manic or mixed episodes can increase impulsive actions and risk-taking. Derek’s polysubstance use (e.g., diazepam, alcohol, acid) exacerbated his suicidal ideation and dissociative behavior, culminating in violent acts (Bartol & Bartol, 2020).

Protective factors that could mitigate his behavioral challenges include early intervention, stable therapeutic relationships, medication compliance, and consistent family or community support.

Proposed Assessment

Description of the Assessment

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a widely used self-report screening instrument designed to identify symptoms consistent with bipolar disorder. It assesses 13 dimensions of manic and hypomanic experiences, including elevated mood, irritability, impulsivity, and decreased need for sleep (Mundy et al., 2023).

The MDQ evaluates symptom duration, impact on functionality, and family history of mood disorders. Its brevity and accessibility make it suitable for clinical and forensic contexts. Although it may yield false positives, it remains a valid preliminary tool for identifying bipolar symptomatology in young adults.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Use of the MDQ

Empirical studies support the MDQ’s utility in detecting manic symptoms across diverse populations. Mundy et al. (2023) found a significant correlation between MDQ outcomes and genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder. The instrument effectively distinguishes between typical mood variations and pathological mania.

Derek’s behavioral profile mirrors the symptom clusters measured by the MDQ—particularly distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity, irritability, and psychomotor agitation. Given his age and symptom history, the MDQ serves as a reliable preliminary screening tool to inform further psychiatric evaluation and treatment planning.

References

Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2020). Criminal behavior: A psychological approach. Pearson Education.

First, M. B. (2024). DSM-5-TR handbook of differential diagnosis. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

Javier, A., Jaworska, N., Fiedorowicz, J., Magnotta, V., Richards, J. G., Barsotti, E. J., & Wemmie, J. A. (2025). Characteristics of people with bipolar disorder I with and without auditory verbal hallucinations. International Journal of Bipolar Disorders, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40345-025-00369-8

PSYC FPX 3130 Case Study Assessment: Mental Health Analysis for Derek

Mundy, J., Hübel, C., Adey, B. N., Davies, H. L., Davies, M. R., Coleman, J. R., Hotopf, M., Kalsi, G., Lee, S. H., McIntosh, A. M., Rogers, H. C., Eley, T. C., Murray, R. M., Vassos, E., & Breen, G. (2023). Genetic examination of the mood disorder questionnaire and its relationship with bipolar disorder. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics, 192(7–8), 147–160. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.b.32938

Oliva, V., Fico, G., De Prisco, M., Gonda, X., Rosa, A. R., & Vieta, E. (2025). Bipolar disorders: An update on critical aspects. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, 48, 101135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101135