Biopsychosocial Evaluation

Biopsychosocial Evaluation

Introduction

For this paper the case under further study and evaluation is of Major Arnold, Major Arnold is a 42 year old African American. Major Arnold has been afflicted by drug and substance abuse since a young age; both his parents were drug abusers. Major Arnold has a son who is currently living in a foster home until Major Arnold deals with his substance abuse. The information gathered regarding the case of Major Arnold has been completed in a time period of 6 months. Major Arnold has been interviewed 5 times after his initial treatment at Good Samaritarian. Major Arnold has three siblings.

In order to understand the circumstances and the reasons behind Major Arnold's poor mental health, we will apply the biopsychosocial approach and analyze the key elements that are the root cause of Major Arnold's present behavioral and psychological issues. Biopsychosocial is a holistic way of looking at a disease it brings into consideration all the elements that can effect a person's wellbeing (Lakhan, 2006). Biopsychosocial factors that lead to emotional disbalancement include a multitude of elements.

Socioeconomic Factors

Major Arnold has a high school diploma, and he has worked as a stock clerk for many years, he is currently unemployed and is mostly relying on selling drugs to make it through life. His poverty and inability to retain the custody of his son is a huge factor in the deterioration of his mental health. The poorer a person's socioeconomic conditions the higher the risks for mental instability he also fails at maintain positive relations with people and is usually on his own (Paula et.all, 1998).

Psychological Factors

Since his early childhood Major Arnold has had a disruptive family due to drug abuse and alcoholism, his sisters suffer from behavioral issues. Major Arnold also separated from the mother of his child. These elements have played a huge role in disconcerting his psychological behavior. He was poorly educated, and has been laid off after many years of working.

Interpersonal Factors

Not having a stable family is very disturbing elements in one's life, both of Major Arnold's parents were substance abusers, their behavior was transcended down on the children and it had a direct impact on Major Arnold's conduct.

Physical Factors

Major Arnold turned to cocaine after the birth of his child which began causing hallucinations. Major Arnold has been institutionalized for his mental illness, he was first diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, and he faces multiple issues with dealing with his sickness (Martindale, 2013).

Other Factors

In addition to unemployment, educational negligence, disruptive family issues Major Arnold is also incapable of taking care of his only son, who the family court has placed in foster care. Major Arnold had to sell drugs in order to go about his life. Major Arnold's ethnicity is also an added factor, being an African American still has many form of discrimination even to this day. He is mandated at having regular medical checkups. He also faces depression due to lack of support and family relations (Canadian Metal Health Association, ...