PCN 605 Topic 2 Assignment Determining a Diagnosis

Tina’s Case Study

Grand Canyon University

Abstract

            Diagnosis perception is very vital for the correct determination of a patient’s mental illness. Psychopathologists must accurately evaluate a client’s condition and connect their symptoms to disease as indicated by the DSM. Tina’s case exhibits psychosis signs. A critical assessment of her symptoms has been described in this essay. Additionally, historical and cross-cultural perceptions of psychopathology that might have an impact on Tina’s diagnosis have been explained. This paper also outlines the possible diagnosis of Tina based on the observed symptoms with the comparison to the disorders stated in the DSM.

Keywords: Tina’s case study, psychosis, psychopathology, diagnosis, assessment, DSM

Tina’s Case Study

The initial patient evaluation is a paramount and critical stage in the treatment of any psychological disorder. Without proper assessment, a client might be misdiagnosed thus leading to the inappropriate application of remedy models. Eventually, the individual’s condition may worsen, and the likelihood of the ailment evolving to death is considerably high (Seligman, 2004). Therefore, a counselor’s perception of psychopathology is critical in the diagnosis process. A competent psychopathologist should assess the conditions of their patients critically and apply the exact symptoms associated with a specific disorder to ascertain the best form of treatment for the patient. Some aspects that may promote or hinder the remedy procedure such as historical or cross-cultural perspectives and the relevant symptoms listed in the DSM for a particular illness should be considered. Tina’s case study will be used to describe the thought process a psychopathologist should engage when diagnosing a patient.

Psychopathology, just like any other Science, has evolved through the centuries and there exist various historic views in the field that influence the diagnosis of patients. In Tina’s case, the most relevant perspectives are the supernaturalistic perspective and the behavioral perspective. The supernaturalistic notion was common in ancient times and suggested that mental illness was a result of demonic possession or witchcraft (Jutras, 2017). The behavioral idea was developed later by John B. Watson who stated that psychological disorders were as a result of the patient’s habits and characteristics (Jutras, 2017). Similarly, there are many cultural perspectives on psychopathology that influence the diagnosis of a patient. The cross-cultural views that are most relevant to Tina’s case are the pathogenic and patho-reactive perspectives. Pathogenic viewpoints define mental illness as a direct cause of a particular custom influenced by the client’s culture (Viswanath & Chaturvedi, 2012). Additionally, patho-reactive views elaborate on the perception of the cause of a specific mental disorder (Viswanath & Chaturvedi, 2012). It states that a person’s reaction to the cause and progress of particular mental illness is based on their cultural beliefs.

To conclude on a final diagnosis, it is essential to have a general impression of Tina’s condition. This can be achieved by evaluating Tina’s symptoms. The signs observed in Tina are delusions, hallucinations, and other adverse symptoms. These characteristics are often associated with psychosis (Dziegielewski, 2015). Delusions of control are explained as beliefs present in an individual that make them believe that another person or something has overwhelming control over their action and behavior (Dziegielewski, 2015). Tina thinks that her boyfriend is bewitching her; hence she exhibits delusions of control. Hallucinations are sensory actions or reactions that occur without the appropriate sensory stimuli associated with them (Dziegielewski, 2015). Tina has revealed the symptom of talking even when nobody is conversing with her; thus illustrating that she hallucinates. Other negative behaviors can be used in patients’ assessments. The negative characteristic observed in Tina is asocial (Dziegielewski, 2015). Tina’s parents have noted that she spends a lot of time crying and she lacks interest in social activities hence revealing asocial habits.

There is significant likelihood that Tina suffers from either schizoaffective disorder or substance-induced psychotic disorder. The schizoaffective disease is associated with symptoms that are predominant in both schizophrenia and depression while substance-induced psychotic disorder is caused by drug abuse (Dziegielewski, 2015). Therefore, it would be appropriate to use a psychological and a dual-diagnosis approach to treating the patient. The mental approach would be helpful in treating the schizoaffective disorder since it involves two mental disorders. However, since substance-induced psychosis is both a mental illness and a drug addiction problem, the best approach to treatment would have to be based on dual-diagnosis, and it must involve integrated treatment plans (MentalHelp.net, 2016). The historic misconceptions of psychopathology relevant to Tina’s case are supernaturalistic and behavioral. The supernaturalistic view is based on the belief that the mental illness in Tina is as a result of witchcraft. However, after the hysteria of witchcraft trials and convictions of mental diseases to be caused by supernatural spirits subsided, it was proven that mental illness has no connection to witchcraft (Quintanilla, 2016). However, since the patient seems to have strong beliefs toward the relationship of witchcraft to mental disease, they may not accept treatment procedures suggested by the professionals. The process of remedy requires a need to get better and acceptance of professional assistance, which is not present in Tina or her family. Therefore, this matter may be a hindrance to progress in treatment. The other historical perspective is behavioral, which was based on the perception that the patient’s habits caused psychological disorders. This may be true in Tina’s case since her drug abuse may have caused her mental illness. Scientific research has shown that severe use of methamphetamines leads to psychosis (The cabin, 2016).

Patient assessment is a critical stage in the diagnosis of a client. A psychopathologist should apply vital analysis using symptoms and proposals made by the DMV. The case of Tina explained in the paragraphs above is an excellent example of how a proper diagnosis should be handled.

References

Dziegielewski, S. F. (2015). DSM-5 in action. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Jutras, M. (2017). Historical perspectives on the theories, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness, Vol. 59(BCMJ), page(s) 86–88.

MentalHelp.net. (2016, April 26). Meth Addiction and Mental Health Problems. Retrieved March 20, 2018, from https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/meth-addiction-and-mental-health-problems/

Quintanilla, B. (2016). Witchcraft or Mental Illness? Psychiatric Times.

Seligman, L. (2004). Diagnosis and treatment planning in counseling (3rd Ed). New York: Kluwer Academic.

The Cabin. (2016, July 19). What is Meth Psychosis? Retrieved March 20, 2018, from https://www.thecabinchiangmai.com/what-is-meth-psychosis/

Viswanath, B., & Chaturvedi, S. K. (2012). Cultural Aspects of Major Mental Disorders: A Critical Review from an Indian Perspective. Indian J Psychol Med, 34(4), 306–312.