Psychological Disorder Analysis

Psychological Disorder Analysis

Psychological Disorder Analysis
University of Phoenix
Psy/270
Stephanie Flinn
October 31, 2010 2010

After reviewing the website “Faces of abnormal psychology interactive” my assessment would be that this patient is suffering from major depression. If the symptoms have been occurring for two years or more the patient may be categorized with Dysthymic disorder. A better understanding of Marla’s condition can be determined with a clinical review. During a clinical interview a therapist would be able to form a picture of what the appropriate diagnosis would actually be.
Questions that would have to be addressed would include the following.

1. “Tell me about yourself what has initially brought you here today?”   The answer to this question may give insight to what other symptoms Marla may be having that needs to be addressed. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) defines major depression as a condition in which the patient experiences a minimum of five depression specific symptoms (Kohn, 2007). Marla has already indicated that she is having three of five symptoms. These include difficulty sleeping (insomnia), feeling agitated (psychomotor agitation) and impaired concentration (Kohn, 2007). These are all strong enough to effect as well as interfere with her work.

2. Give me an example of a regular day in your life? This question can give the therapist a visual of what the patient may or may not deal with on a daily basis and can easily display what may be the cause of everyday anxieties.
3. “What can you tell me about your family and yourself. Do you have siblings?” This can give the therapist a piece of the person’s nature-nurture. It will help to understand the patient’s development and environment currently as well as leading up to present day. It will give a basis to a link between current day and past parts in today’s issues.
4. “What was your home environment like as a child? What is...