Example Of Case Discussion Format Using Sample Case ✓ Solved

Example Of Case Discussion Format Using Sample Casecadenavailable In C

Provide a case conceptualization that includes specific information about client symptoms and presenting concerns. Develop diagnostic impressions using the ICD-10 codes and DSM-5 criteria, explaining the rationale for diagnoses or reasons for not diagnosing. Include detailed descriptions of the client's symptoms, assessment of severity, and developmental history relevant to the diagnosis.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Case Conceptualization for Caden

Caden is a 12-year-old Caucasian male exhibiting a range of behavioral and emotional difficulties that have impacted his functioning at home and school. His presenting concerns include aggressive behavior, oppositionality, academic problems, and threatening conduct. These behaviors are ongoing and began around age 9, suggesting a persistent pattern of rule-breaking and defiance that warrants a comprehensive case conceptualization and diagnostic evaluation.

Client Symptoms and Presenting Concerns

Caden’s behavioral profile is characterized by aggressive acts such as physical fights, vandalism, and threats, including wielding a knife. He also demonstrates oppositional behaviors, like refusing to communicate with his grandmother for days and resisting authority figures. At school, he is on probation for academic difficulties, reflecting challenges in following rules and maintaining focus. His violent conduct and violations of social norms indicate significant conduct problems that disrupt his development and social integration.

Diagnostic Impressions

Based on the presentation, Caden’s symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of F91.1 Conduct Disorder, Childhood-Onset Type, Moderate. The ICD-10 classification emphasizes persistent violation of societal norms and the rights of others, which Caden manifests through physical fights (Criterion A2), bullying (Criterion A1), vandalism, and threats (Criterion A3). His behaviors contribute to significant distress and impairment, evidenced by legal issues and academic probation, fulfilling the criteria for a clinical diagnosis.

Rationale for Diagnostic Impressions

Applying DSM-5 criteria, Caden exhibits a repetitive and persistent pattern of violating others’ rights and norms (Criterion A). The specific behaviors, including physical aggression, property destruction, and threatening conduct, demonstrate a clear pattern aligned with Conduct Disorder. His age, under 18, and onset before age 10 support a childhood-onset classification; the moderate severity is indicated by the range and intensity of his behaviors without reaching the most extreme levels. No indications of psychosis or mood disorder are evident, and his symptoms are best characterized within the Conduct Disorder diagnosis.

Case Conceptualization for Ka-Sean

Ka-Sean is a 25-year-old African American woman navigating complex emotional and behavioral challenges, primarily centered around chronic and severe anxiety symptoms. She reports pervasive worry, sleep disturbance, physical health issues, concentration difficulties, and episodes of intense anxiety that interfere with her daily functioning. Her symptoms have persisted over several years, with exacerbations linked to stressors like her mother's death and significant relational conflicts.

Client Symptoms and Presenting Concerns

Ka-Sean’s predominant concern is excessive worry that dominates her thoughts, leading to physical symptoms such as muscle tension, stomach ulcers, and fatigue. She experiences panic-like episodes, with physical sensations including chest tightness and palpitations, sometimes resulting in emergency medical visits. Her worry about her partner’s fidelity exemplifies her tendency toward catastrophic thinking and difficulty managing uncertainty. Her perfectionism, avoidance of delegation, and overthinking contribute to her academic struggles and social stress.

Diagnostic Impressions

Given her persistent and pervasive anxiety, coupled with physical symptoms and behavioral patterns, Ka-Sean’s presentation aligns closely with F41.1 Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (ICD-10). The DSM-5 criteria are fulfilled by her excessive worry occurring more days than not for at least six months, difficulty controlling the worry, physical symptoms such as muscle tension and sleep disturbance, and significant distress impacting her daily life.

Rationale for Diagnostic Impressions

Ka-Sean demonstrates a chronic pattern of excessive anxiety and worry, with symptoms including restlessness, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. Her worries extend across multiple domains—relationships, health, future plans—meeting the criteria for GAD. Her intense physical sensations, recurrent health concerns, and significant impairment support this diagnosis. Her history of self-injury and previous treatment-seeking reflect her longstanding struggle with overwhelming anxiety, further reinforcing the appropriateness of this clinical impression.

Summary of Diagnostic Process

Both cases—Caden and Ka-Sean—illustrate how detailed symptom analysis and developmental history contribute to accurate diagnosis. For Caden, aggressive and rule-breaking behaviors align with Conduct Disorder, Childhood-Onset, Moderate, consistent with ICD and DSM classifications. For Ka-Sean, pervasive worry, physical symptoms, and functional impairment point towards Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Diagnostic precision guides effective treatment planning and addresses underlying issues related to developmental history, social context, and symptom severity.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Kress, V. E., & Paylo, M. J. (2018). Treating those with mental disorders: A comprehensive approach to case conceptualization and treatment (2nd ed.). Pearson.
  • World Health Organization. (1998). ICD-10: International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (10th revision).
  • Gratz, K. L., & Roemer, L. (2004). Multidimensional assessment of emotion regulation and dysregulation: Development, factor structure, and initial validation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 26(1), 41-54.
  • Barlow, D. H. (2002). Anxiety and its disorders: The nature and treatment of anxiety and panic. Guilford Press.
  • Weissman, M. M., et al. (2005). Prevention of depression in children and adolescents. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 105: 722–736.
  • Silverman, W. K., & Hinshaw, S. P. (2008). Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents with ADHD. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 37(1), 184-214.
  • Reich, W., & Silver, A. (2006). Clinical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 29(2), 151–175.
  • American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. (2013). Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 52(8), 703-713.
  • Fyer, A. (2006). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 29(2), 219–231.

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