Psychological Disorder Analysis

Psychological Disorder Analysis

What Is Abnormal Psychology? "Abnormal psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with psychopathology and abnormal behavior. The term covers a broad range of disorders, from depression to obsession-compulsion to sexual deviation and many more. Counselors, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists often work directly in this field" (Cherry, 2010, para. 1). Dysthymic disorder also known as dysthymia is a chronic but mild form of depression that usually lasts for at least two years or more (The Mayo Clinic, 2010). DSM IV features for dysthymia are a depressed mood that is recurrent and lasts at least two years, the presence of at least two or more of the following symptoms: appetite issues, sleep problems, tiredness, low self-esteem, decreased concentration, inability to make decisions, or hopelessness (McGraw-Hill, 2007).

Marla is a 42-year-old Hispanic female who has come to my mental health clinic complaining of having trouble sleeping, feeling "jumpy all of the time," and experiencing an inability to concentrate. These symptoms are causing problems for her at work, where she is an accountant. When I first met with Marla I asked her some questions about her life. The first question that I asked Marla was what her childhood was like. Marla said that she had quite a normal upbringing. She was the middle child of three children; an older brother and a younger sister. I then asked Marla if her parents were always together with the family. She said that there was a lot of love in her family and her parents seemed to get along well. I asked Marla if she felt that her mother was happy. Marla said that she did think that her mother was happy but maybe a little unfulfilled. I asked her what she meant by unfulfilled. Marla said that her mother wanted to do more with her life than just being a wife and mother but she did not because she wanted to be there for her children and husband. I then asked her at what age did she have her first boyfriend. Marla said that she was not allowed to date when she was a teenager and did not have her first boyfriend until she was 19 years old. I asked Marla how her boyfriend affected her life. She said that he was a nice boy but that he wanted her to be as her mother was and did not want her to have a career of her own. She said that because of this the relationship did not last and she did not pursue any other relationships until she was in her mid-twenties. I then asked Marla what school was like for her. Marla said that she did well in school until she was an adult. When Marla was 34 years old she decided to go back to school to get her degree in accounting. At first school was easy for her; she enjoyed learning and looked forward to the career options her degree would give her. When she started on her bachelor's degree at the age of 37 years old she noticed that she began to have trouble concentrating in class. Marla assumed that it was just because she was stressed from balancing work, school, and family. She continued on and graduated just after her 40th birthday with her master's degree in accounting. Marla passed her certified public accountant exam and got the job with her current employer. I asked Marla how her current relationship is with her parents. Marla said that her relationship is difficult with her father because she chose to not get married and have children prior to pursuing her educational and career aspirations. She said that her mother and she were close and that her mother looked up to her and was proud of her. I asked Marla if she was currently in an intimate, romantic relationship with anyone. Marla stated that she was dating someone but was not sure whether or not it was going to be serious. I asked Marla about her relationship with the rest of her family. Marla said that she was close with her brother and sister; she loved spending time with them and their families. Marla especially enjoyed the time she spent with her nieces and nephews, especially since she did not have any children of her own yet. I finally asked Marla what currently brings her happiness in her life. Marla had a difficult time answer the question. It seemed to make her quite emotional and she looked as though she may cry. I asked her