Psychology Case Study: Disorders, Assessment and Case Formulation

Psychology Case Study: Disorders, Assessment and Case Formulation

Introduction

Based on the information that is provided, it can be that the patient is suffering from major depression that is described as Faces of abnormal psychology integrative. The proper categorization can be Dysthymic Disorder, if Debbie had experienced symptoms for more than years. The synopsis does not have this information about Debbie. The condition that Debbie can have can be evaluated better if there was additional information that was gathered that could allow for a cause that can be disclosed. Then, a remedy could be designed to fit Debbie's symptoms.

While at work Debbie is very dedicated. Over the past six months Debbie has been suffering from headaches, mental disturbance, and confusion. She has gone to the doctor many times for her symptoms.

Discussion

Psychiatric Disorders

According to the current studies, about 15% to 20% of all Americans will have major depression with in their lifetime (American Psychiatric Association 2000). People can suffer depression over a period of time that can last for days or months. People can suffer from the symptoms like: The difficulty of making decisions, memory problems, dark thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and have unfocused thoughts. A person can come less motivated and very irritable (Corey 2005). People can cease to enjoy activities that they really enjoy at one time. People can have physical pain and aches that are not easily explained. There are studies that suggest that the endocrine system can be concerned in depression. There can be high levels of cortisol that is a hormone that has been found in people who suffer from depression. During stress the adrenal glands releases the cortisol. The people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder can have high levels of cortisol plus have levels of the hormone melatonin. Knowing that the biological factor can be the primary cause of major depression, the attention can be focus on developing a plan of treatment for Debbie.

The most commonly form of treatment for depression is drug therapy. The effective and prescribed medication for depression is the Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors also commonly know has SSRI. The common drugs in this class are Paxil and Prozac. The SSRI's side effects are preferable over any other antidepressants drugs. These of drugs only need to be once a day with the agreement of the person and this can help to reduce the chance of overdosing (Corey 2005).

The cognitive therapy can help to address the characteristics of depression that should be carried out by the persons illogical thought process. About 50% to 60% that who suffer from depression obtain benefits from using cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapy is designed to help to re-educate people to come aware of and help change their negative thoughts patterns and the maladaptive behaviors.

Patient History

There are many causes of stress in Debbie's life. Debbie has been through many life changes in a short period of time. She was married and now divorced, and bears the burden of a ...