Assignment 2: Case Study Development and Theoretical Explanation

Review the sample case. Download and study the guidelines for developing cases. Develop one original fictional case study that portrays a specific diagnosis within the categories of: anxiety, somatoform, or dissociative disorders.

The case description must include all of the DSM criteria necessary to diagnose that disorder, but may also include additional symptoms not found within that diagnostic category. Include some demographic background of the fictional case subject. This portion of the assignment should be 1 to 1 ½ pages.

Mental health professionals are often trained in one or more theoretical orientations. Each theoretical orientation provides a specific insight into why a person acts the way he or she does. The theoretical orientation also guides the professional’s choice of treatment options to address the symptoms presented by the individual to be treated. Several theoretical explanations of abnormal behavior have been described in your readings for this module. Some of these are biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, existential, cognitive, and sociocultural.

Identify the treatment approach for your case based upon the theory you have chosen to explain the disorder. Then in 2-3 pages, write your own theoretical analysis of case characteristics in relation to the disorder the case represents.

Write the case and theoretical analysis in a 3–4-page paper in Word format. Be sure to include an APA style title page and to cite the online course and the text applying APA standards. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M2_A2.doc. Use appropriate extensions for any other formats you use.

Woody, a 42-year-old married accountant, complains of dizziness, sweaty palms, stomachaches, and shortness of breath.  He has been experiencing these symptoms for more than two years with few periods of extended relief.  He also experiences dryness in mouth, periods of extreme muscle tension, and a constant nervousness that has often interfered with his ability to focus on his work.  Although these symptoms lead to frustration, he denies feeling depressed and continues to enjoy hobbies and family activities. 

Because of these symptoms, Woody has seen his primary care physician, a chiropractor, and several other specialists, but has received conflicting diagnosis and treatment, non of which have helped.

Case Study

Woody constantly worries about the health of his wife, parents, and children.  He thinks about accidents that could happen and tries to plan to avoid them.  Woody’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago.  She received treatment and has been cancer free for over one year.  Woody also worries about his performance at work, feeling he could be fired at any time, though his work reviews do not indicate any problems.