Example Of Case Discussion Format Using Sample Case 271366 ✓ Solved

Example Of Case Discussion Format Using Sample Casecadenavailable In C

Identify a comprehensive case conceptualization, including client symptoms, presenting concerns, diagnostic impressions with ICD-10 codes, and rationale based on DSM-5 criteria. Use a detailed case example of Caden, a 12-year-old male, experiencing aggressive behavior, oppositional defiance, academic difficulties, and legal issues, living with his grandmother due to maternal substance use. Provide diagnostic impressions with ICD-10 codes such as F91.1 Conduct Disorder, Childhood-Onset Type, Moderate, and explain how DSM-5 criteria support this diagnosis. Discuss the client's symptoms from age 9, including violent acts, vandalism, theft, and threats, and link these to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria with appropriate severity specifiers. Justify the diagnosis considering age, symptom onset, and severity, noting the impact on the client’s functioning. If no diagnosis is assigned, explain the reasoning based on DSM-5.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Conduct Disorder (CD) is a serious behavioral and emotional disorder that generally manifests during childhood or adolescence, characterized by a persistent pattern of violating the rights of others and societal norms. In this case, Caden, a 12-year-old Caucasian male, exemplifies many of the clinical features of CD, which include aggressive behaviors, oppositional defiance, and law-breaking activities. A detailed case conceptualization involves analyzing his symptoms, developmental history, and contextual factors to understand better the diagnosis, underlying issues, and potential treatment approaches.

Presenting Concerns and Symptoms

Caden's primary presenting concerns include difficulty at home and school, aggressive and threatening behaviors, and academic underperformance. He currently resides with his grandmother due to his mother’s reported substance use and legal issues. These environmental factors potentially contribute to Caden’s behavioral challenges. His aggressive behaviors include physical fights, threats with a knife, vandalism, and theft, which began around the age of 9. At school, he exhibits oppositional behaviors, such as refusing to communicate with his grandmother and peers, ultimately leading to academic probation. His conduct also includes threats and violent acts, which highlight potential safety concerns. These symptoms are indicative of severe behavioral dysregulation that disrupts his daily functioning.

Diagnostic Impressions: ICD-10 and DSM-5

Based on the case history, Caden's symptoms are consistent with F91.1 Conduct Disorder, Childhood-Onset Type, Moderate severity. According to ICD-10 criteria, this diagnosis is appropriate because Caden demonstrates a persistent pattern of violate others’ rights, with behaviors such as physical fights (Criterion A2), bullying (Criterion A1), vandalism (Criterion A9), theft (Criterion A12), and threatening with a weapon (Criterion A3). The behavior causes significant impairment in social, academic, and family functioning, fulfilling Criterion B that requires clinically significant distress or impairment. Furthermore, Caden's age (12 years old) satisfies Criterion C, as he is under 18 and does not meet criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder. The onset of symptoms at approximately age 9 aligns with the Childhood-Onset Type, and a moderate severity is justified given the nature, frequency, and intensity of his behaviors.

Rationale for Diagnostic Choice

The DSM-5 criteria for Conduct Disorder include a repetitive and persistent pattern of behaviors that violate societal norms or the rights of others, lasting at least 12 months (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Caden’s history of physical fights, bullying, vandalism, and theft clearly meet these criteria, emphasizing a pattern that is severe enough to warrant clinical attention. His threatening behaviors and legal involvement further substantiate the diagnosis. The symptoms have persisted for approximately three years, with an age of onset at 9, confirming the Childhood-Onset Type. The severity is moderate because, although violent, his behaviors are not pervasive enough to warrant the severe or extreme specifiers, and he does not meet the criteria for the conduct of the most extreme severity levels.

Developmental and Contextual Considerations

Caden’s developmental history highlights early behavioral problems beginning at age 9, correlating with the onset of his conduct issues. His living environment—primarily with his grandmother due to maternal substance issues and legal concerns—may exacerbate his behavioral problems. Family instability, exposure to substance abuse, and limited adult supervision are known risk factors for Conduct Disorder (Farrington & Welsh, 2002). Such environmental stressors can contribute to the persistence and severity of disruptive behaviors. Interventions need to consider these contextual factors, focusing on behavioral management, family therapy, and addressing underlying emotional issues.

Implications for Treatment

Effective treatment for Caden would involve a comprehensive, multimodal approach. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help him develop anger management skills, impulse control, and social skills training (Kazdin, 2003). Family therapy could address dysfunctional dynamics, reinforce positive behaviors, and improve communication with caregivers. When appropriate, pharmacological intervention may be considered if comorbidities like ADHD or mood disorders are present (Pelham & Nystrom, 2012). Early intervention is vital to prevent escalation of conduct problems and facilitate healthier developmental trajectories.

Conclusion

In sum, Caden exemplifies a clinical presentation consistent with Conduct Disorder, Childhood-Onset, Moderate severity, according to ICD-10 and DSM-5 criteria. His symptoms—violating the rights of others, aggressive behaviors, and legal issues—are persistent and severe, impacting multiple areas of functioning. Understanding his developmental history, environmental influences, and symptom severity informs an appropriate diagnosis and tailored intervention plan. Early, targeted treatment can improve his prognosis and mitigate further antisocial and behavioral difficulties, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary approaches covering psychological, familial, and social domains.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Farrington, D. P., & Welsh, B. C. (2002). Saving children from a life of crime: Early prevention and intervention. Oxford University Press.
  • Kazdin, A. E. (2003). Practice manual for conducting cognitive-behavioral therapy with children and adolescents. Guilford Press.
  • Pelham, W. E., & Nystrom, M. (2012). Pharmacological management of conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 53(12), 1293-1303.
  • Kress, V. E., & Paylo, M. J. (2018). Treating those with mental disorders: A comprehensive approach to case conceptualization and treatment (2nd ed.). Pearson.
  • Frick, P. J., & Viding, E. (2014). Antisocial behavior and callous-unemotional traits. In R. J. R. Levesque (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Adolescence (pp. 215-226). Springer.
  • Moffitt, T. E. (2006). Life-course persistent and adolescent-limited antisocial behavior. In Developmental Psychopathology (pp. 570–598). Wiley.
  • Campbell, M., & Ewing, S. (2014). Conduct disorder and adolescent violence. In I. S. H. L. F. Clark (Ed.), Contemporary issues in criminology. Routledge.
  • Patterson, G. R. (2002). The next generation of interventions for antisocial boys. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 574(1), 86-105.
  • LeBlanc, M. H., & Mayhew, B. (2015). Environmental influences on conduct disorder. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(1), 124-134.

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