UNIT 3

Unit 3

Unit 3

Introduction

DSM-IV-TR (2000) is the foundation of the mental health system stemming from psychopathology, the Taxonomy of Roles is a postmodern classification system based in role theory and emerging out of the rich history of theatre and social psychology. Merging the two provides a collaborative and comprehensive approach to diagnosis, one in which stigmatization can be avoided, a clear picture can be formed, and the client's perspective is valued beyond a mere set of symptoms. In the words of Patch Adams, “Treat the illness, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Treat the person and I guarantee you will win no matter what the cost” (Shadyac and Oedekerk, 1999 Shadyac, T. (Director/Executive Producer), & Oedekerk, S. (Writer). (1999). Patch Adams [Motion picture]. United States: Universal Studios.Shadyac & Oedekerk, 1999).

For years the consumer/survivor movement has labored to get this point across. First-person accounts of the mental health system paint this picture clearly (Acuff, 2000, Frese, 1993, Leete, 1993 and Link, 1993; Schiller & Bennett, 1994). The stigma surrounding mental illness is counter-productive and alternative treatments are needed within the established pathology-based model. Providing respect for the individual, championing strengths rather than lambasting weaknesses, and providing recovery-oriented services are key. Because drama therapy is an inherently strength-based, action-oriented modality, which places treatment squarely in the hands of the client, the Taxonomy of Roles can align with the recovery movement to overcome stigma at its very root—the diagnostic phase.

Case study: Linda

Client's case manager suggested individual therapy with this therapist. We met for weekly, 1-h sessions over the course of 4 months. Linda was a 19-year-old heterosexual female of Cuban decent. Her conservative mother and father had her relatively late in life, at 40 and 56, respectively. Linda had one older brother, age 23. While jumping on the bed at age 3, Linda fell and hit the back of her head. She was taken to the emergency room, but never received treatment because her father felt they had waited too long. Linda's first symptoms began in 2000 (age 14). At that time, she was isolative, had no friends, and obsessed about a male teacher. Her parents were unaware. She then wrote a threatening letter to the teacher, which prompted psychiatric care. Thereafter, at age 15, Linda was seen at a clinic for confused thinking and depression. She was hospitalized twice the same year, then transferred to a children's inpatient psychiatric center for 6 months.

While hospitalized, Linda became intensely attracted to a male staff member and exhibited eroto-manic delusions. She was unable to concentrate, and showed signs of catatonia as she fantasized instead of doing her school work. She had persistent desires of wanting to be adopted by teachers and therapists (anyone in a caretaking role), which continued throughout her time at CDT. There was a suspicion of sexual abuse, though she denied it. Linda accused her parents of beating her; an ACS case was filed but later closed. No abuse was substantiated. Linda's father resisted her need for medication, but did keep ...