Psychological Disorder Analysis

Psychological Disorder Analysis

Deborah Kennedy

Axia College of University of Phoenix

Maria, a 42-year-old Hispanic female was seen today at this clinic. Marie is complaining of having trouble sleeping, feeling “jumpy all of the time,” and experiencing an inability to concentrate. Her husband has recently left her and so she is going through a painful divorce. Maria also states that she feels tired and unmotivated to do her required work and family tasks and at other times she is too anxious to focus. These symptoms are causing problems for her at work, where she is an accountant. When Maria is at home she spends a great deal of time napping and watching television, while her two teenage children take care of household tasks (Axia College, 2005). Maria is concerned that if these symptoms continue she will lose her job and that is the primary reason for her visit to the clinic today.

Maria has presented a good list of symptoms and at least one cause for these symptoms. However, further analysis is required in order to make an accurate diagnosis and set up a treatment plan. Currently her symptoms meet the criteria for multiple diagnoses such as Dysthymic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. With the little information that has been obtained so far it is the belief of this clinic that she is suffering from a combination of Dysthymic and Major depressive disorders more so than Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These possibilities will be explored in depth, but it is most important to get detailed background information about Maria and her family history regarding mental health issues. It is also important to rule out the possibility of drug use, since a proper diagnosis cannot be made without being sure due to the fact that drug addiction problems can have many of the same symptoms as a mental disorder. Maria will be asked to fill out a questionnaire form containing a set of diagnostic questions that will help the...