Summary Of Crystal’s Symptomology And Theoretical Perspectiv ✓ Solved

Summary of Crystal’s Symptomology and Theoretical Perspectives on her Disorders

Crystal is a 48-year-old woman residing in an urban area characterized by resource scarcity, gang violence, and inadequate social services. She has been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Relationship Distress with her spouse. Her presenting symptomology reflects complex trauma accompanied by significant emotional and behavioral responses. This summary will detail her behavioral symptoms, assess their alignment with her diagnoses, and interpret these symptoms through two theoretical frameworks—Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Trauma and Attachment Theory—offering a comprehensive understanding of her mental health challenges.

From an observational standpoint, Crystal exhibits several behavioral symptoms consistent with PTSD and GAD. She reports persistent fear and avoidance, especially concerning the site of the traumatic event—the shooting near her home. Her inability to pass by or look at the crime scene illustrates hypervigilance and avoidance, hallmark symptoms of PTSD, which aim to prevent re-exposure to trauma-related stimuli (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). She experiences intrusive thoughts and distress, evidenced by her difficulty concentrating and sleeping, leading her to use over-the-counter sleep aids. These difficulties are typical of PTSD, characterized by hyperarousal and hypervigilance disrupting normal routines (Friedman, 2013). Additionally, her emotional responses include anger and shame stemming from feelings of guilt and helplessness during the traumatic incident, which align with the emotional symptoms in PTSD and GAD, such as persistent worry and negative self-evaluation (Hoge et al., 2014).

Her behavioral symptoms extend beyond trauma responses; she has developed a fear of leaving her house, which reflects social withdrawal—a common symptom of trauma-related disorders. Her reported difficulty understanding cruelty and her distress within her marriage suggest emotional dysregulation and the possible development of maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as avoidance and substance use. The arrest for drug possession indicates maladaptive coping strategies likely linked to her emotional turmoil and attempts to self-medicate her distress (Mueser et al., 2015).

While her irregular sleep pattern and concentration problems are typical of PTSD-driven hyperarousal, her avoidance behaviors and emotional dysregulation are also characteristic of GAD, where pervasive worry interferes with daily functioning (Borkovec et al., 2004). Her emotional and behavioral responses, therefore, are largely consistent with her diagnoses, though the severity and complexity underscore the intersectionality of trauma, anxiety, and relational issues.

Analyzing Crystal’s symptoms through two theoretical perspectives provides deeper insights into her condition. First, Cognitive-Behavioral Theory (CBT) suggests that her behaviors and emotional reactions are maintained by maladaptive thought patterns and learned behaviors stemming from trauma exposure (Beck, 2011). Her avoidance of the crime scene and hypervigilance are reinforced because they temporarily reduce her anxiety, reinforcing the cycle of PTSD. Her feelings of shame and guilt may also be linked to distorted cognitions about her perceived inability to prevent violence, which exacerbate her emotional distress (Foa & Kozak, 1986). From a CBT perspective, cognitive restructuring and exposure therapies could be effective in challenging these maladaptive thoughts and diminishing avoidance behaviors.

Second, Trauma and Attachment Theory offer a developmental lens emphasizing how early attachment relationships and traumatic experiences influence emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning. Crystal’s trauma exposure, combined with her history of verbal, emotional, and physical abuse within her marriage, suggests disrupted attachment patterns and insecure attachment styles, which may underlie her emotional dysregulation and relationship distress (Bowlby, 1988). Her shame and guilt, coupled with feelings of helplessness, could reflect internalized attachment insecurities, leading to difficulties in trusting others and seeking support. Addressing these attachment issues in therapy may facilitate emotional regulation and improve her relational stability, helping her cultivate secure bonds and resolve feelings of isolation (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007).

Understanding her symptoms through these frameworks not only clarifies the underpinning mechanisms of her distress but also guides tailored interventions. For instance, CBT strategies target maladaptive cognitions and avoidance behaviors, while trauma-informed approaches emphasizing attachment repair can foster emotional resilience and relational healing (Briere & Scott, 2015). The integration of these perspectives underscores the multifaceted nature of her trauma response and provides a comprehensive roadmap for her treatment plan.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and Beyond. Guilford Press.
  • Borkovec, T. D., et al. (2004). The nature and process of worry and generalized anxiety disorder. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), Anxiety and Its Disorders: The Nature and Treatment of Anxiety and Panic (2nd ed., pp. 445–470). Guilford Press.
  • Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Parent-child attachment and healthy development. Basic Books.
  • Briere, J., & Scott, C. (2015). Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation, and treatment. Sage Publications.
  • Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information. Psychological Bulletin, 99(1), 20–35.
  • Friedman, M. J. (2013). PTSD history and overview. In M. J. Friedman (Ed.), PTSD: Monographs in Psychology (pp. 1-19). American Psychological Association Publishing.
  • Hoge, C. W., et al. (2014). Mental health problems and barriers to care among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans undergoing screening. Psychiatric Services, 65(6), 692–698.
  • Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. Guilford Press.
  • Mueser, K. T., et al. (2015). Trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, and physical health in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 41(4), 923–931.

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