Case Studies Directions: 1 Case Studies Directions: 1. Name the possible disorders exhibited by the behavior. 2. Supply missing information needed for proper diagnosis. What questions need to be asked to pinpoint the exact disorder? 3. Supply a course of treatment for the disorder offering an explanation of why you chose the treatment plan you did.

Name That Disorder This activity presents case studies in which individuals suffer from symptoms of psychological disorders. Related Topics: Psychological disorders, psychotherapies. NOTES This activity should be presented AFTER students have read the section of their textbook on psychological disorders. The activity consists of eight case studies; in each, an individual experiences symptoms of either panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder, agoraphobia, or major depressive disorder. You might want to present this activity in conjunction with the ActivePsych activity “Creative People with Psychological Disorders.” Acknowledgements: This activity was written by Antoinette R. Miller, Clayton State University

Case Study 1 Irene occasionally experiences unpredictable episodes of intense dread, accompanied by chest pains and a sensation of smothering. Her symptoms have no apparent physical cause. NOTES Students will be presented with eight case studies in this activity. After each case study, the following slide will prompt students to identify the disorder from which the person is suffering. Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Irene’s symptoms and the disorder from which she suffers.

Case Study 2 Jason is so preoccupied with staying clean that he showers as many as 10 times each day. NOTES Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Jason’s symptoms and the disorder from which he suffers.

Case Study 3 Although she escaped from war-torn Iraq two years ago, Lila still has haunting memories and nightmares. She is also severely depressed. NOTES Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Lila’s symptoms and the disorder from which she suffers.

Case Study 4 One day Matt felt optimistic, energetic, and on top of the world. A few days later he felt hopeless and lethargic. He thought that the future looked very grim. NOTES Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Matt’s symptoms and the disorder from which he suffers.

Case Study 5 Claiming that she heard a voice commanding her to warn other people that eating is harmful, Sandy attempts to convince others restaurant patrons not to eat. The psychiatrist to whom she is referred finds that Sandy’s thinking and speech are often fragmented and incoherent. In addition, Sandy has an unreasonable fear that someone is “out to get her.” Consequently, she trusts no one. NOTES Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Sandy’s symptoms and the disorder from which she suffers.

Case Study 6 Bob has never been able to keep a job. He’s been in and out of jail for charges such as theft, sexual assault, and spousal abuse. NOTES Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Bob’s symptoms and the disorder from which he suffers.

Case Study 7 Sadie is so fearful of being overwhelmed by anxiety that she rarely steps outside her apartment. The thought of going shopping and getting lost in a crowd terrifies her, so she has her groceries delivered. Because of her fear, she earns her living as a freelance writer and works at home. NOTES Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Sadie’s symptoms and the disorder from which she suffers.

Case Study 8 For the last month Gabrielle has felt lethargic and has been unable to get out of bed in the morning. She has withdrawn from friends and family because she feels worthless and unlovable. NOTES Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Gabrielle’s symptoms and the disorder from which she suffers.