Major Depressive Disorder

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer defines Asperger Syndrome as under-recognized as a disabling syndrome, due to the normal-to-high IQ scores and proficient verbal skills of people with Asperger Syndrome. Further, the writer maintains that patients who may now be diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome may have previously been diagnosed with a non psychiatric diagnostic label, such as learning disabled, or socially maladjusted, which are less eligible for many services. The writer provides an evaluation of a patient and proposes a possible treatment plan. Based on the limited information received, although several diagnoses are possible, Asperger Syndrome is supported as the diagnosis based on the definition in the 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders '(DSM-IV), as well as other professional, peer-recognized definitions of Asperger Syndrome.

Outline:
Patient Vignette
Clinical Evaluation
Crisis Management
Treatment Plan
Treatment
Human Diversity
Ethics
Discussion
References

From the Paper:

"The patient is a male, twenty-two years of age, coming with very little case history information. The patient was once hospitalized, however the reason for hospitalization has not been specified. The patient is not married, and does not have a social support system. He is also not currently employed. The patient also appears somewhat dishevelled, as he is not dressed very well, and he seems to lack personal care. Upon speaking with the patient in the initial interview, he talks about not understanding the meaning of life. Additionally, he feels that he does not understand who he is, and he is unable to gain a sense of identity. Further questioning reveals that the patient cannot "feel normally." While, speaking, the patient will sometimes change to a flat and monotonous tone of voice. Upon being given goal-oriented suggestions from the therapist, the patient seems ambivalent and unsure of these suggestions."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2000, June) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR (Text Revision), American Psychiatric Publishing; 4th edition.
• APA (2003, June) Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. American Psychological Association. Retrieved April 2006 from http://www.apa.org/ethics/code2002.html
• Devine, J. (1995) O.A.S.I.S.: Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support Web Page. Retrieved April 2006, from http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/as_chronicles.html.
• Gena, B. P. (2004, November) Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Secondary School Principals. Principal Leadership. Retrieved April 2006, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4002/is_200411/ai_n9463790/print
• Gillberg, C. (2002) A Guide to Asperger Syndrome. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

More papers on Major Depressive Disorder:

• Analytical Essay # 130942 : "Major Depressive Disorder"
• Case Study # 70271 : "Major Depressive Disorder and Therapy"
• Essay # 137262 : "Mood Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder"
• Research Paper # 54213 : "Major Depressive Disorder: A Psychological Disorder"

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