A Psychological Case Formulation

Paper Summary:

This paper relates that psychotherapy case formulation, which is a hypothesis about the causes, precipitants, and maintaining influences of a person's psychological, interpersonal and behavioral problems, is vital for clients; however, it is not routinely utilized and rarely integrated into the written record. The author posits that Susana's diagnosis is chronic post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD ) (Axis I) and borderline personality disorder (Axis II). The paper explains that the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) will prove helpful in appraising Susana's social, psychological and occupational functional abilities for planning her treatment, measuring her treatment's impact, and projecting the expected outcome of her treatment. The paper includes many quotations and tables.

Client Biography: Susana's Story
I See . . .
Strengths and Weaknesses: Susana's Sustenance
Recognizing Strengths
Identifying Enemies
Nature of Functioning: Susana's Perceived Abilities
Frequent Flashbacks
Diagnosis: Susana's Inquest
Beautiful Skin: "Disfigured" Inside
Global Assessment of Functioning Scale.
Treatment Plan: Susana's Path Back to Sanity
To Get Rid of the S . . .

From the Paper:

"Susana reportedly experiences ongoing conflict with her mother and father, as evidenced by numerous negative remarks about them. During Susana's early childhood, an incident occurs where she is injured and has to wear a cast for several months. She recalls being placed on a board for one trip with her family. At one point, Susana states that she does not want to "end" up like her mother. At her high school graduation ceremony, when Susana remains affixed to seat while her name is being announced, Susana's parents contribute her lack of responsiveness to "another one of her stunts," ..."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Austin, L., & Kortum, J. (2004). Self-Injury: The Secret Language of Pain for Teenagers. Education, 124(3), 517+.
• Callahan, S. (2001, April 20). SPIRITUAL SYMPTOMS : Does Religion Make You Crazy?. Commonweal, 128, 7.
• Cheever, A. (2000). Prozac Americans: Depression, Identity, and Selfhood. Twentieth Century Literature, 46(3).
• Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-IV, (2005). American Psychiatric Association. Washington, DC.
• DSM-IV(TM) Multiaxial System. Retrieved 16 March 2007 from: http://psyweb.com/.

More papers on A Psychological Case Formulation:

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• Case Study # 102869 : "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy"

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