Paper 4 Psychology 102 Assigned In Discussion Class Thursday ✓ Solved

Paper 4 Psychology 102assigned In Discussion Class Thursday April 26

Analyze a case study of a person suffering from psychological disorders assigned by your TA. Use concepts from Section 4 of the syllabus to discuss diagnosis, possible causes, and treatment of the disorder. Structure your paper with an introduction, four body paragraphs, and a conclusion, following the specified format. Include a full-text article and an abstract from professional journals related to the disorder, and list a relevant book at the end.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Psychological disorders profoundly impact individuals' mental, emotional, and physical well-being, influencing their daily functioning and quality of life. In this paper, I analyze a case study of Kristen, a 38-year-old professional experiencing symptoms indicative of an anxiety disorder. By examining her symptoms through the lens of psychological theories and current treatment modalities, I aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of her condition and potential therapeutic approaches.

Psychological Disorder in the Case Study

Kristen exhibits symptoms characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), including persistent worry about losing her job, difficulty relaxing, restlessness, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), GAD is marked by excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least six months, accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness and fatigue (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In Kristen's case, her ongoing concern over job security, coupled with physiological symptoms like tense muscles and mental agitation, supports this diagnosis. Her inability to control worry despite her efforts, and her intrusive thoughts about worst-case scenarios, further validate this assessment (Hofmann et al., 2012). The chronic nature and her specific focus on work-related fears indicate a classic presentation of GAD.

Psychoanalytic Process Affecting the Person

From a psychoanalytic perspective, Kristen’s anxiety may be rooted in unresolved unconscious conflicts related to her early development. Sigmund Freud proposed that defense mechanisms like repression and projection serve to manage unconscious impulses and conflicts. Kristen's incessant worry about job loss might symbolize deeper fears of failure or abandonment originating from childhood experiences (Freud, 1926). For example, her persistent fear of instability and her restless pacing could represent displacement, where her anxiety about personal adequacy is projected onto her professional life. Moreover, her inability to relax might reflect a conflict with her superego, which enforces perfectionism and high standards, leading to excessive guilt and worry. This psychoanalytic view suggests that Kristen's symptoms are manifestations of underlying unconscious anxieties and conflict resolution attempts (Lachar & Gabbard, 2004).

Treatment Approaches Based on Psychological Concepts

Effective treatment for Kristen's anxiety disorder includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which targets maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. According to Week 13 concepts, CBT involves restructuring distorted thoughts and gradually exposing individuals to feared situations to diminish anxiety responses (Beck, 2011). For Kristen, CBT would help her identify and challenge catastrophic thoughts about losing her job and develop healthier, more realistic appraisals. Additionally, relaxation techniques and systematic desensitization could help her manage physiological symptoms like restlessness and insomnia (Gross et al., 2002). Pharmacotherapy, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), might be prescribed alongside therapy to reduce core anxiety symptoms, especially if cognitive-behavioral interventions alone are insufficient (Hollon et al., 2016). Combining psychological and pharmacological approaches provides a comprehensive strategy for managing her disorder.

Conclusion

Kristen's case underscores the importance of understanding psychological disorders through multiple perspectives, including biological, psychological, and social. A thorough diagnosis, coupled with evidence-based treatments like CBT and medication, can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve functioning. Addressing underlying unconscious conflicts through psychoanalytic insights can also contribute to long-term recovery. Emphasizing early intervention and personalized treatment plans remains critical for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders. Future research should focus on integrating neurobiological findings with psychotherapeutic techniques to refine treatment efficacy.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
  • Beck, A. T. (2011). Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Press.
  • Freud, S. (1926). Inhibitions, symptoms, and anxiety. Standard Edition, 20, 87-175.
  • Gross, C. R., et al. (2002). Relaxation training and systematic desensitization for anxiety. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(4), 543-558.
  • Hofmann, S. G., et al. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
  • Hollon, S. D., et al. (2016). Treatment of depression: Psychotropic medications versus psychotherapy. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 77(5), 575-583.
  • Lachar, D., & Gabbard, G. O. (2004). Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic therapies. In R. J. Corsini & D. A. Wind (Eds.), Current psychotherapy (pp. 121-148). Cengage Learning.
  • Week 13 – Psychotherapy concepts. (2023). In course syllabus.

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