CASE STUDY

Case Study

Case Study

Introduction

This paper is based on a case study of suicidal and homicidal ideation. The subject of the case is Cassandra, who according to the description of the case, is in custody. Her past experiences are not good and she has been reported to have attempted three suicide attempts.

Mental Illness Treatment

It is important in the case of Cassandra Smith to work out carefully the conditions under which exercising control is beneficial and when it is not. Bowers (2006) mentions that taking an active, involved role in recovery from surgery or illness may aid adjustment at one stage of illness, but not in another.

Diagnosis

In case of Cassandra, I will have to plan out a comprehensive physical examination and medical history immediately to discover any organic cause of symptoms. Conditions such as those presented by Cassandra need special considerations. I will try to address these conditions as early as possible and then the progression of the illness, she is suffering can be stopped and, in some cases, partially reversed. If a neurological cause such as brain injury is suspected, then Cassandra may be referred to a neurologist or neuropsychologist for testing.

Treatment by Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy basically involves helping an individual think and act in more efficient ways, and this is the main problem of Cassandra. Central to this theory is the concept or belief that our feelings are affected to a large extent by the ways in which we view our daily life events.

In words of Levy (2006) by modifying one's thinking and thought processes (Cassandra in this case), it is also possible to modify and change resulting feelings. Consider Charlie who is afraid of speaking in front of parents or he is afraid of sharing his problems with his parents. Underlying that fear is normally a silly thought that it will be terrible if he does not perform well. Charlie might also espouse a belief that somehow his worth or value as a human being will be noticeably reduced as a result of a poorly delivered speech or his ideas. By helping an individual think more logically in this case the final subjective experience of anxiety will likely decrease. While this is a comparatively simple example and the human mind is much complex, the same strategies can be applied to various other human problems. As opposed to more psychoanalytic or psychodynamic theories in which feelings are viewed as borne and primary of formative experiences, cognitive therapy holds that our feelings can be changed by changing and examining our automatic thinking processes (Levy, 2006).

Federal legislation entitles mentally ill patients such as Cassandra to free testing and appropriate intervention programs that assess, recommend, and begin treatment programs.

In my opinion, cognitive behavioral therapy for Cassandra can help her develop coping skills. It can also help her mother deal with feelings of guilt or anger. A supportive, warm home environment is essential to help Cassandra realize her full potential.

One of the facts mentioned in Cassandra Smith's case ...