Psychological Disorder Analysis
Psychological Disorder Analysis
Kevin Scott
PSY/270
October 7, 2012
Colleen Donovan
Psychological Disorder Analysis
What is Dysthymia? Dysthymia also known as dysthimic disorder is a mild form of depression. The symptoms for Dysthymia differ from case to case, and can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, an inability to concentrate, and inconsistent sleep habits—oversleeping or not sleeping at all. In order for an individual to be properly diagnosed with Dysthymia the symptoms have to be present for at least a couple of years (EverydayHealth Media, LLC, 2012). To illustrate how Dysthymia is diagnosed and treated, an interview with a patient who seems to be suffering from this disorder will be conducted and a diagnosis as well as a treatment plan will be formulated according to one of the psychological theories—biological, cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, sociocultural, and humanistic-existential.
The Patient:
Marla is a 42 year old Hispanic woman who has come to the mental health center complaining of having trouble sleeping, feeling “jumpy all of the time”, and experiencing an inability to concentrate. These symptoms have begun to cause problems for her at work, where she is an accountant.
Marla’s Interview
Marla: “Good afternoon. I really appreciate you coming in to see me on your day off.”
Me: “Well your phone call sounded urgent and want to do everything I possibly can to help you. In order to do that Marla, I am going to ask you some questions so I can get a better understanding of what is going on inside of you. Are you okay with this?”
Marla: “Yes, I am.”
Me: “Have you ever experienced any type of psychological disorders? For instance, drastic mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety, or severe depression that has been interfering with your life? What about your grandparents, parents, brothers, or
Kevin Scott
PSY/270
October 7, 2012
Colleen Donovan
Psychological Disorder Analysis
What is Dysthymia? Dysthymia also known as dysthimic disorder is a mild form of depression. The symptoms for Dysthymia differ from case to case, and can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, an inability to concentrate, and inconsistent sleep habits—oversleeping or not sleeping at all. In order for an individual to be properly diagnosed with Dysthymia the symptoms have to be present for at least a couple of years (EverydayHealth Media, LLC, 2012). To illustrate how Dysthymia is diagnosed and treated, an interview with a patient who seems to be suffering from this disorder will be conducted and a diagnosis as well as a treatment plan will be formulated according to one of the psychological theories—biological, cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, sociocultural, and humanistic-existential.
The Patient:
Marla is a 42 year old Hispanic woman who has come to the mental health center complaining of having trouble sleeping, feeling “jumpy all of the time”, and experiencing an inability to concentrate. These symptoms have begun to cause problems for her at work, where she is an accountant.
Marla’s Interview
Marla: “Good afternoon. I really appreciate you coming in to see me on your day off.”
Me: “Well your phone call sounded urgent and want to do everything I possibly can to help you. In order to do that Marla, I am going to ask you some questions so I can get a better understanding of what is going on inside of you. Are you okay with this?”
Marla: “Yes, I am.”
Me: “Have you ever experienced any type of psychological disorders? For instance, drastic mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety, or severe depression that has been interfering with your life? What about your grandparents, parents, brothers, or
References: Everyday Health Media, LLC (2012). Facts on Dysthymia. Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com Faces of Abnormal Psychology Interactive Application. (2007). McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Retrieved from http://www.mhhe.com Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (1998-2012). Dysthymia. Retrieved from http://www.myoclinic.com