Case Study Writing Assignments:
(50 points each)
Students are responsible for submitting a case study write up (vignette provided in ecollege). This written case vignette will include the client’s presenting problem(s). history and symptoms, and all other relevant information necessary for drawing diagnostic conclusions. Students will review the case and supplemental material and providing a clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis using the DSM-5. Students will also provide a rationale for the diagnoses, as well as a discussion of possible etiology, prognoses, cultural & ethical considerations, case conceptualization, and treatment considerations (guidelines will be distributed in class). Each writing assignment will require a 6-8 page case report (typed, double-spaced, one inch margins). Students will be required to cite any sources used within the text of your report (Guidelines will be distributed in class and posted in Doc Sharing)
The Case of Karen DePaul
Karen is a 36 year-old married Caucasian woman with no children. Karen sought treatment at a local private practice because she felt “stressed out,” about her marriage, “I know it’s temporary and I know I’m overreacting. I sure don’t want to, but I feel upset!”
Karen, who is employed as a fourth grade school teacher was referring to her husband’s new work schedule. “John” is an air traffic controller at a city airport. Two months ago his schedule changed from days shift to “swing shift” consisting of 12 hour shifts at night and every other weekend.
John sleeps during days and works at 8:00 pm. Since his new schedule, Karen and John rarely see each other except on his days off during which he tries to resume a normal sleep schedule so he and Karen can spend time together.
The DePaul’s have been married three years, and they have no children. Both had been married once before. Neither reported drinking, smoking, or illicit drug use. Karen’s only encounter with the mental health system had occurred seven years earlier, when her first husband left her for another man. “I respect his right not to continue living a lie,” she stated, “but I felt terribly alone and humiliated.”
Karen’s symptoms now were much as they had been then. Most of the time when she was at work, she felt “about normal” and maintained good interest in what she was doing. But when she was at home and in the evenings, she would be visited by waves of sadness. At times, she lacked the motivation to attend to her daily activities, though much of the time she would “barrel through.” She often cried to herself and felt guilty for giving into her emotions.”It’s not as if someone had died after all.” Although she had some difficulty sleeping at night, she slept soundly to the morning. Her weight was constant, her appetite was good, and she had no suicidal ideas or thoughts of wishes of death. She did not report any problems with her concentration and she denied ever having symptoms of mania.
During the ending of her first marriage, she had remained depressed and upset until a few weeks after the divorce was final. Then she seemed to suddenly be able to put it behind her and begin dating once again.
“I know I’ll feel better, once John gets off that schedule,” she stated. “I guess it just makes me feel worthless, playing second fiddle to airplanes. I feel like I’ve been abandoned.”
Note: Follow the case writeup guidelines. Conceptualize and treatment from your theory and theorist of choice (select one theory/theorist only).
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