Application Case Study: Personality Disorders And Chaotic Li

Application Case Study Personality Disorderschaotic Lifestyles Chr

Application: Case Study – Personality Disorders Chaotic lifestyles, chronic life interruptions, fractured support systems, and frayed identities collectively describe some of the characteristics of individuals who suffer with personality disorders. Individuals with personality disorders are similar to children navigating through life confused and unsure. Even when surrounded by family and friends, individuals who suffer with personality disorders may feel isolated and alone. As a future professional in the field of psychology, assigning a diagnosis of personality disorder may be very complex. For this Application, review the case study in the Learning Resources.

Consider important client characteristics for developing a personality disorder diagnosis. Think about your rationale for assigning a particular diagnosis on the basis of the DSM. The Assignment (3–4 pages) · A DSM diagnosis of the client in the case study · An explanation of your rationale for assigning the diagnosis on the basis of the DSM · An explanation of what other information you may need about the client to make an accurate diagnosis based on the DSM diagnostic criteria Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources and current literature used in its preparation. You are to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the Learning Resources for this course. · American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. o Personality Disorders · Paris, J. (2015 ). The intelligent clinician’s guide to the DSM-5 (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from the Walden Library. o Chapter 14, Personality Disorders · Crosby, J. P., & Sprock, J. (2004). Effect of patient sex, clinician sex, and sex role on the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder: Models of underpathologizing and overpathologizing biases. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 60 (6), 583–604. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. · Jovev, M., McKenzie, T., Whittle, S., Simmons, J. G., Allen, N. B., & Chanen, A. M. (2013). Temperament and maltreatment in the emergence of borderline and antisocial personality pathology during early adolescence. Journal Of The Canadian Academy Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry , 22 (3), 220–229. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. Millon, T. (2000). Reflections on the future of DSM Axis II. Journal of Personality Disorders, 14 (1), 30–41. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. Morey, L. C., Krueger, R. F., & Skodol, A. E. (2013). The hierarchical structure of clinician ratings of proposed DSM–5 pathological personality traits. Journal Of Abnormal Psychology , 122 (3), 836–841. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. Neumann, C., Schmitt, D., Carter, R., Embley, I., & Hare, R. (2012). Psychopathic traits in females and males across the globe. Behavioral Sciences & The Law , 30 (5), 557–574. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. Wastell, C. A. (1996). Feminist developmental theory: Implications for counseling. Journal of Counseling & Development, 74 (6), 575–581. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Paper For Above instruction

Personality disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by maladaptive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviate markedly from cultural expectations and cause significant distress or impairment in functioning. When evaluating a client with suspected personality disorder, it is essential to consider a wide range of characteristics, including behavioral patterns, interpersonal functioning, cognitive tendencies, emotional regulation, and personal history. This essay presents a hypothetical case analysis, examines the potential diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria, provides the rationale for this diagnosis, and discusses what additional information would be necessary for an accurate clinical assessment.

Case Overview and Client Characteristics

The client in the case study presents with a chaotic lifestyle marked by frequent disruptions to daily routines, unstable relationships, and episodes of emotional dysregulation. They exhibit chronic feelings of emptiness, impulsivity, and a tendency toward self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse and reckless spending. Despite being surrounded by a support system, the client reports feeling persistently misunderstood and isolated. Their identity appears fragmented, with fluctuating self-image and difficulty maintaining consistent goals or values. These features indicate patterns of long-standing interpersonal and intrapersonal difficulties consistent with a personality disorder, specifically Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

DSM-5 Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder

Based on the DSM-5 criteria, the most fitting diagnosis for this client appears to be Borderline Personality Disorder (F60.3). According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), BPD is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood (APA, 2013). The client exhibits core features such as frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, identity disturbance, impulsivity in areas that are potentially self-damaging, recurrent suicidal or self-mutilating behavior, affective instability, chronic feelings of emptiness, and intense interpersonal relationships that fluctuate between extremes of idealization and devaluation. These meet at least five of the nine DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, supporting this classification.

Rationale for the Diagnosis

The rationale for diagnosing BPD in this scenario hinges on the client’s presentation aligning with multiple DSM-5 criteria, particularly instability in self-image and interpersonal relationships, impulsivity, and affective dysregulation. Jovev et al. (2013) emphasize that temperament and early maltreatment often intersect to produce BPD features, including emotional sensitivity and chaotic interpersonal dynamics. The client's history of unstable relationships suggests a core feature of BPD, as individuals often experience intense fear of abandonment, leading to frantic efforts to avoid real or perceived separation. Further, impulsivity evidenced by reckless behaviors aligns with DSM criteria, which include impulsivity in areas that are potentially self-damaging. The chronic feelings of emptiness and identity disturbance are classic features detailed by Paris (2015), highlighting the deep-seated issues of self-concept prevalent in BPD.

Additional Information Needed for a Precise Diagnosis

While the initial clinical picture supports a diagnosis of BPD, further information is necessary to confirm this confidently. First, detailed developmental history would elucidate early traumatic experiences or attachment issues, which Jovev et al. (2013) note are often present in BPD cases. Second, a comprehensive psychiatric history, including any previous diagnoses, treatment responses, and family history of mood or personality disorders, would provide valuable context. Third, assessment of comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders is critical, as these frequently coexist with BPD and influence treatment planning (Paris, 2015). Additionally, third-party reports or longitudinal data could clarify the pattern and severity of symptoms over time, leading to a more accurate diagnosis aligning with DSM criteria.

Conclusion

Diagnosing personality disorders requires meticulous clinical evaluation, considering an array of client characteristics and developmental background. In this case, the presentation aligns strongly with Borderline Personality Disorder based on the DSM-5 criteria, supported by prominent features such as emotional instability, impulsivity, identity disturbance, and chaotic interpersonal relationships. However, further historical and contextual information is essential to bolster the diagnosis, ensuring a holistic understanding of the client’s difficulties and informing effective treatment strategies. Psychologists and mental health professionals must adopt a nuanced approach, integrating DSM criteria with individual history and social context, to provide the most accurate and empathetic care possible.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Paris, J. (2015). The intelligent clinician’s guide to the DSM-5 (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Crosby, J. P., & Sprock, J. (2004). Effect of patient sex, clinician sex, and sex role on the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder: Models of underpathologizing and overpathologizing biases. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 60(6), 583–604.
• Jovev, M., McKenzie, T., Whittle, S., Simmons, J. G., Allen, N. B., & Chanen, A. M. (2013). Temperament and maltreatment in the emergence of borderline and antisocial personality pathology during early adolescence. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 22(3), 220–229.
• Millon, T. (2000). Reflections on the future of DSM Axis II. Journal of Personality Disorders, 14(1), 30–41.
• Morey, L. C., Krueger, R. F., & Skodol, A. E. (2013). The hierarchical structure of clinician ratings of proposed DSM–5 pathological personality traits. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122(3), 836–841.
• Neumann, C., Schmitt, D., Carter, R., Embley, I., & Hare, R. (2012). Psychopathic traits in females and males across the globe. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 30(5), 557–574.
• Wastell, C. A. (1996). Feminist developmental theory: Implications for counseling. Journal of Counseling & Development, 74(6), 575–581.