Applications of Clinical Psychology

Applications of Clinical Psychology

August 22, 2011

Elements of Clinical Psychology, Psychology 480

Dr. Gurinder Bolina, Faculty

University of Phoenix

Abstract

Within this paper a brief overview of the case study of Anna O. will be provided along with certain biological, psychological, and social influences and factors. Treatment plans will also be discussed as well as the reasoning for choosing such treatment and all and everyone that is involved in the treatment.

Applications of Clinical Psychology

The case of Anna O. is included in the book, Case Studies of Abnormal Behavior. According to Meyer, et al. (2009), Anna O. was a patient of Josef Breuer’s from November, 1880 to June 1882. The case of Anna O. was not written until ten years after her treatment stopped. During her treatment Anna exhibit different personalities as well as mood swings and gaps in consciousness. Anna O. had Dissociative Identity Disorder or as it was called at the time, Multiple Personality Disorder.

According to the DSM-IV-TR (2000), diagnostic criteria for D.I.D. includes: a recurrence of at least two other personalities, memory loss that cannot be explained by ordinary forgetfulness, alcohol, drugs or medication are not the cause for the disturbance. “Dissociative Identity Disorder reflects a failure to integrate various aspects of identity, memory and consciousness” (pg 526). According to Meyer, et al. (2009), in the case of Anna O. she would experience gaps in consciousness and was also mute for two weeks.

Biological, Psychological, and Social Factors Involved

The causes of Dissociative Identity Disorder, (D.I.D) are still unknown; some suggest that stress, traumatic events, or an emotionally unstable environment as a child paves the path of DID for the youth or adult. There are biological, psychological, and social factors involved in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of D.I.D for the patient.

The biological factors which can be involved in the...