Case Study Assignment Template Follow The Example Below ✓ Solved

Case Study Assignment Templatefollow The Example Below As You

This assignment requires you to complete a case study response that includes: (1) key issues, (2) diagnostic impressions, and (3) treatment recommendations. You need to create a current APA-formatted title page and cite sources for the treatment recommendations, including a reference page. The content must span 3–4 pages.

Key Issues

A. List the key issues involved in the case study in order of importance and provide rationale for the order. Discuss the most important features and link them to treatment outcomes.

Diagnostic Impressions

A. Accurately diagnose using the DSM based on the provided case study information. Consider diagnostic criteria and provide rationale while discussing differential diagnostic considerations.

B. Consider additional disorders as necessary and rationalize any additional diagnoses.

Treatment Recommendations

A. Clearly delineate your treatment recommendations in a list format. Consider motivation and collaboration in the approach.

B. Discuss the biopsychosociospiritual aspects of the case and ensure recommendations are relevant, implementable, and supported by professional literature—include 2–3 academic sources.

Case Study: Mr. Boyle

Mr. Boyle is a 55-year-old high school principal who is experiencing significant distress in his personal and professional life following a heated interaction with the school board, which has raised concerns about his job stability. He has reported ongoing tensions in his marriage due to issues with trust and social relationships, as well as newly emerging patterns of alcohol use. His self-perception is notably rigid and defensive, which complicates his interpersonal relationships.

Key Issues

Initially, the most pressing issue for Mr. Boyle is his escalating suspicion and perceived conspiracies against him at work. This suspicion appears to stem from a longstanding difficulty in trusting others, which has reached a critical level following recent events. The belief that he is being treated unfairly has led to feelings of helplessness and has begun to affect his professional performance. This issue is underscored by impacts on his mental health, including potential depression and anxiety.

Second, his relationship with his wife is in jeopardy, as she expresses that the marriage is "unbearable" due to his behaviors and attitudes. This interpersonal conflict could serve to exacerbate his existing mental health issues, leading to a vicious cycle of increasing frustration and social isolation.

Finally, Mr. Boyle's rising alcohol consumption serves as a coping mechanism for his distress, which raises concerns about the possibility of developing a substance use disorder. The rationales justify the prioritization of these issues, as addressing his suspicion and relationships is essential to creating a pathway for recovery.

Diagnostic Impressions

In diagnosing Mr. Boyle, the DSM-5 offers insights into potential disorders associated with his reported behaviors and symptoms. Given his heightened mistrust, irritability, and self-centered attitudes, the diagnosis of Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD) seems fitting (DSM-5, 2013). This diagnosis is characterized by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, which resonates deeply with Mr. Boyle's perception of conspiracies against him.

Additionally, it is crucial to consider the possibility of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) given Mr. Boyle's reported feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest, and irritability. The overlap between these disorders underscores the need for careful evaluation. Furthermore, Mr. Boyle’s alcohol use may suggest a secondary diagnosis related to substance use; however, the current patterns observed do not yet meet the criteria for a substance use disorder.

In ruling out other disorders, consider Social Anxiety Disorder. While Mr. Boyle exhibits strong avoidance of social engagement, the key is his observable distrust rather than social fear, leading to the final consideration of the aforementioned diagnoses.

Treatment Recommendations

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Implement CBT as a primary intervention to challenge and reframe Mr. Boyle's negative thought patterns and beliefs about others. Research supports CBT’s effectiveness in cases of paranoia and anxious thought patterns (Beck, 2011).

2. Couples Therapy: To address marital issues, involving Mrs. Boyle in sessions is recommended. This approach enhances communication skills and helps both partners navigate their conflicts productively (Gurman, 2016).

3. Psychoeducation about Alcohol Use: Provide psychoeducational sessions that outline healthy coping mechanisms and strategies linked to substances (Sussman & Sussman, 2011).

4. Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Introduce mindfulness exercises to help Mr. Boyle manage stress and enhance emotional regulation, mitigating anxiety and suspicion (Kabat-Zinn, 2013).

These recommendations should acknowledge the biopsychosociospiritual dimensions of Mr. Boyle’s experience. Each proposed treatment method leverages tailored, evidence-based strategies, setting the stage for a more holistic recovery approach.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Beck, A. T. (2011). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
• Gurman, A. S. (2016). The clinical effectiveness of couple therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 42(1), 9-19.
• Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. Bantam.
• Sussman, S., & Sussman, A. (2011). Substance abuse prevention: A global perspective. Psychology & Health, 26(4), 585-594.
• Kring, A. M., Johnson, S. L., Davison, G. C., & Neale, J. M. (2018). Abnormal Psychology: The science and treatment of psychological disorders (14th ed.). Wiley.
• McIntyre, R. S., et al. (2016). The role of inflammation in depression and its treatment. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 6(6), 335-346.
• Hayes, S. C., et al. (2016). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change. Guilford Publications.
• Hofmann, S. G., & Otto, M. W. (2008). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adult Anxiety Disorders: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(4), 621-632.
• Hernandez, K. E., & McClure, J. T. (2019). Factors Influencing Alcohol Use Among Adults in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 109(7), e1-e6.