Case Study Analysis Psychology Case Study Research

Case Study Analysis
Student Name
Institution Affiliation
Case Study One
Diagnosis and Etiology: According to the facts shared on the case, it is evident that Bob gets agitated easily and frequently. He is also highly anxious at the slightest of provocations. These are all clear indications of issues with his mental functioning and capabilities. Nonetheless, it is imperative for medical practitioners to examine all the facts to provide all diagnostic possibilities and the vivid etiology (Preston et al., 2017). It is also recommended to use and apply different platforms that have been established to assist in the formulation of the correct diagnosis. In this regard, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that incorporates inputs by several experts on cognitive and mental matters will be applied (Larsen & Berenbaum, 2017). As such, while the facts in the case provide information to note that Bob suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and since it is prevalent among the Natives, information from the DSM-5 suggests that Bob is being plagued by generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (Preston et al., 2017). This is because facts from the case highlighted that Bob’s father had similar issues. Medical experts have found that genetic risk is one of the major causes of GAD. With this angle of reasoning, PTSD is ruled out even further.
Additionally, there are personal biases, stereotypes, cultural and ethical concerns, and legal considerations associated with Bob’s case. To begin with, it is vital in the diagnosis and eventual treatment of patients such as Bob for health care workers to avoid personal biases and understand their patients from the symptoms they showcase and information published by experts (Preston et al., 2017). Similarly, it is recommended that stereotypes are also avoided on the same breadth. For one, it is a common stereotype that Native Americans are alcoholics. As such, the issues plaguing Bob would have been easily but mistakenly associated with alcohol. Stereotypes and personal biases tend to cloud judgment and thereby resulting in wrong conclusions that will then jeopardize care, treatment and management of patients. Furthermore, cultural and ethical concerns pertaining to Bob’s case are witnessed in that the DSM-5 manual and other diagnostic tools are highly inclined on dealing and addressing issues pertaining to Euro-American populations (Preston et al., 2017). The assessments in the tools have some cultural and ethical values that expose them to potential bias. Last but not least, legal considerations in the case study arise on the sensitive matter of whether Bob was harming the children in any way. According to facts provided, Bob’s wife became severely frightened when the matter about the safety of the children was raised.
Treatment with Pharmacological intervention: There are various treatments that are suggested in regards to addressing GAD. Nonetheless, it is vital to select the ones that are not only beneficial in that they will provide better management of the symptoms but also those that support psychopharmacological interventions. In this regard, the DSM-5 manual proposes that the best course of action is to incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications (Preston et al., 2017). There are various forms of CBT that could be applied on Bob’s case including cognitive reframing, psychoeducation and group therapy (Capitalchoicecounselling.com, 2020). These avenues assist patients such as Bob to deal with their thoughts, feelings, behaviors and emotions. CBT will transform Bob’s negative thoughts of not being a good person to those of a responsible individual in society.
It was also identified that Bob was severely stressed and as such, was constantly and continuously anxious. In this regard, it is vital to measure the amount of cortisol in his blood stream. According to Preston et al. (2017), “the use of pharmacology to reduce cortisol levels and the use of behavioral techniques to mediate stress which also lowers cortisol levels have been found to be more effective than either treatment alone in persons suffering from anxiety disorders”. Based on the above statement, it is clear that during the treatment of patients with GAD, it is important both treatments are administered concurrently to get the best results.
Case Study Two
Diagnosis and Etiology: According to the facts provided on the case, Steven is a young boy of Asian-American descent showcasing disruptive behavior not only at home but also in school. He is highly impatient and filled with a lot of rage that he directs to those around him. Despite these negative traits, Steven is also identified as being exceptionally-gifted. It is also shared that Steven’s father was abusive and no longer lives with the family because of such traits. The diagnostic possibilities pertaining to the case occur because Steven’s behavior is witnessed both in school and at home. In this regard, it is sufficient to conclude the diagnosis of Attention-Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to Pelham et al. (2016), ADHD is diagnosed in patients who showcase the symptoms in two or more places. It has been established that Steven is impatient with his peers in school and younger sisters at home. The DSM-5 manual also points to Steven suffering from ADHD. The manual provides an effective guideline and standards for diagnosing and treating ADHD. From the manual, “People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development” (Preston et al., 2017). Some of the notable symptoms of ADHD as shared from the manual and by several medical experts is as shown in the figure below.
It is vital to note that unlike other mental disorders, ADHD is not associated with aggression (Healthline.com, 2020). As per the facts provided, Steven has been identified as being impatient but not aggressive. There are several causes of ADHD. These include genetics, brain injury, environmental exposures, premature delivery and abuse of alcohol and other subs...