Case Studies
For each case, include the following:
An analysis of the situation and possible causes for the subject’s behavior
A preliminary diagnosis of the subject’s disorder using the symptoms he or she displays
The set of therapies you suggest for helping the subject deal with his or her symptoms
Case Study Number One: Karen
Karen is a 30-year-old single woman. She was referred to a psychiatrist after six visits to her primary care physician complaining of headaches, body aches, sharp pains above her left ear, and a ringing in both ears. She was convinced she had a brain tumor, but a CAT scan revealed no physiological cause.
During the interview, Karen mentions that she doesn’t like being in a hospital “because being in a hospital puts you at risk for so many other diseases.” When pressed, she mentions swine flu, avian flu, and AIDS. Karen does not use illegal substances or alcohol. She carries hand sanitizer and discreetly spritzes it on her hands about every ten minutes or so. Part way through the interview, Karen put on sunglasses “to block the fluorescent rays” from the overhead lamps.
Family History: Father died three years ago of cancer. Mother is still alive. Grandmother committed suicide at 31 when mother was eight. Grandfather is still alive, with history of alcoholism.
ASSIGNMENT 5.2: CASE STUDIES
ANALYSIS
Karen has frequently sought medical assistance for a problem that does not exist physiologically. She interprets her aches and pains as severe, and they seem to persist despite visiting her doctor multiple times, having had tests and CAT scans that reveal no physiological known cause. She has an aversion to hospitals and feels being in them puts her at risk of contracting many other diseases. Frequent use of hand sanitizer is suggestive of an obsessive compulsion to keep herself free from germs. The wearing of sunglasses to block out the florescent lights, is also suggestive of an obsessive desire to protect herself
An analysis of the situation and possible causes for the subject’s behavior
A preliminary diagnosis of the subject’s disorder using the symptoms he or she displays
The set of therapies you suggest for helping the subject deal with his or her symptoms
Case Study Number One: Karen
Karen is a 30-year-old single woman. She was referred to a psychiatrist after six visits to her primary care physician complaining of headaches, body aches, sharp pains above her left ear, and a ringing in both ears. She was convinced she had a brain tumor, but a CAT scan revealed no physiological cause.
During the interview, Karen mentions that she doesn’t like being in a hospital “because being in a hospital puts you at risk for so many other diseases.” When pressed, she mentions swine flu, avian flu, and AIDS. Karen does not use illegal substances or alcohol. She carries hand sanitizer and discreetly spritzes it on her hands about every ten minutes or so. Part way through the interview, Karen put on sunglasses “to block the fluorescent rays” from the overhead lamps.
Family History: Father died three years ago of cancer. Mother is still alive. Grandmother committed suicide at 31 when mother was eight. Grandfather is still alive, with history of alcoholism.
ASSIGNMENT 5.2: CASE STUDIES
ANALYSIS
Karen has frequently sought medical assistance for a problem that does not exist physiologically. She interprets her aches and pains as severe, and they seem to persist despite visiting her doctor multiple times, having had tests and CAT scans that reveal no physiological known cause. She has an aversion to hospitals and feels being in them puts her at risk of contracting many other diseases. Frequent use of hand sanitizer is suggestive of an obsessive compulsion to keep herself free from germs. The wearing of sunglasses to block out the florescent lights, is also suggestive of an obsessive desire to protect herself