Dsm-Iv Case

DSM-IV

Summer Kaba

AAEW14O9G4

October 21, 2012

Donna Busarow

DSM-IV

Introduction

There are many different disorders that have a variety of symptoms, causes, and treatments. This paper will cover five different case studies in which these individuals will all have a different disorder. The disorders covered will be schizoid personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, somatoform disorder, dissociative disorder, and schizophrenia. After evaluating each case study a disorder will be diagnosis to the patient then causes and possible treatments will be covered.

Case Study One

The first case study involves a woman named Josephine, who is forty-seven years old. She finds it difficult to enjoy herself, lacks emotions, and remains detached. She cannot seem to hold a job, due to her inability to interact with people. Josephine also has no long standing friendships or relationships in her life.

The correct diagnosis for Josephine would be schizoid personality disorder. Schizoid personality disorder occurs when a person shows little emotion and avoids and are removed from social relationships (Comer, 2005). Some symptoms of this disorder include, but are not limited to: takes pleasure in few, if any, activities, lacks close friends, shows emotional coldness, or detachment, and almost always chooses solitary activities (Schizoid Personality Disorder, 2012). Since Josephine displays almost all the symptoms her diagnosis would fit.

The exact cause of this disorder is not yet discovered, however an individual's environment and genetics are believed to play a role in the development of this disorder (Personality Disorders, 2012). Some doctors believe that a child who grows up in a household that lacks emotions is more prone to this disorder. They have also linked cases of individuals who have relatives who have been diagnosis with schizophrenia, to having this personality disorder, hence the genetic aspect (Schizoid Personality Disorder, 2012).

The best treatment option for Josephine would be psychotherapy, which is a form of counseling. This counseling will include ways of bettering Josephine as a person. She will learn coping skills, self-esteem building skills, how to interact with people, and social skills. Medication is not often recommended for this type of disorder, unless the patient is depressed. Most patients do not even seek treatment for this disorder; because they do not believe it causes them any distress (Schizoid Personality Disorder, 2012).

Case Study Two

The second case study involves a thirty-eight year old man named Luis. He has very high expectations for himself, his appearance is well maintained and of importance to him, and he feels he needs to announce all his success to everyone. He has also been described as having little to no patience with people and also using individuals to get what he wants.

The correct diagnosis for Luis would be narcissistic personality disorder. Individuals who suffer from this disorder tend to be grandiose, need much admiration, and feel no empathy (Comer, 2005). Some symptoms of this personality disorder are seeking constant attention and admiration, being self-centered and boastful, are easily hurt, but do not show it, setting unrealistic goals, and taking advantages of others to reach their own goals (Narcissistic Personality Disorder, 2012). Other symptoms include belief that they are special and can only be understood by other special people, envy of others or a belief that others envy them, being arrogant, and hypersensitive to insults (Narcissistic Personality Disorder, 2012).

The exact cause of narcissistic personality disorder is not known. Mental health professionals do however believe it is a combination of social interactions with early caregivers, psychological factors that involve the ability to handle stress, and biological vulnerabilities. In the same breath, other mental health professionals believe this disorder is formed due to neglect, abuse, or traumas caused by authority figures while the individual was a child.

The best treatment option for Luis would be psychotherapy, which is a type of counseling. During his sessions he will learn to be more aware of his disorder, and how to relate to others in a more positive manner. Medication is only used to help treat behaviorial problems, but is not often used when treating this disorder (Narcissistic Personality Disorder, 2012).

Case Study Three

The third case study involves Anissa, who is twenty- three years old. Two years ago she experienced a terrible car accident in which two individuals were killed, luckily, Anissa was ok. After getting her cast removed she began feeling numbness in her hands. She did have neurological testing done on her which came back normal.

The diagnosis that would be suitable for Anissa would be Somatoform disorder. Somatoform disorders are mental illness that causes bodily symptoms, for example pain (Somatoform Disorder, 2012). Symptoms of this disorder include pain, sexual symptoms, neurological problems and gastrointestinal complaints. Individuals who have this disorder are not faking their symptoms, and may question the doctor's diagnosis over and over again. They do not receive relief from their symptoms. Their specific symptoms and severity may vary depending on the type of somatoform disorder they have.