Case Critique

Description

Case Review Format  Look at the designated cases and answer the following questions:

  1.     Does the case meet the criteria for the DSM-5?  Start with the full diagnosis. Then, relist the primary diagnosis and go through each criteria (in bulleted format) and explain by using specific information from the case how the case meet or did not meet (n/a) criteria.

2.     What are the psychosocial issues facing the client?  Briefly discuss the challenges the client has psychologically and/or socially.

3.     What are the strengths of the client?  Briefly discuss the client’s strengths.

4.     What further assessment issues would you explore with the client?  Briefly discuss what else you need to know to confirm the diagnosis and/or rule out other diagnoses.

5.     What initial treatment goals (problem, goals, measurable objectives, and interventions) would you have with this client? Please cite at least one peer-reviewed reference to support your choice of intervention.  (please see the format example on D2L and provide an in-text citation)

6.     What ethical considerations should you keep in mind? (Be sure to cite the NASW Code of Ethics.) Briefly discuss the ethical priorities or dilemmas that may be present.

The Case of Jane

Jane is 30 years old and brought to the mental health center by her mother. She reports feeling severely depressed and hopeless and states that she could barely take care of her 5 year old daughter the past week. She also states she had trouble completing ordinary household tasks.  She has no appetite, trouble sleeping, fatigue and severe guilt.

Jane has been married 5 years and her husband was deployed two weeks ago. Her husband is in the military and the frequent absences that are required have been very difficult for her to manage. Her husband complains that she is overly dependent on him and would like for her to have some interests of her own.

Jane worked as a secretary before their child was born. She graduated from high school and lived with her mother until she met and married her husband.  She did not return to work after becoming a mother until her daughter started pre-school last year.  At that point, she started working part-time at the school as an aide.  Her closest friend is her mother who has been a widow since Jane was in elementary school.

Jane and her husband had a lot of conflict just before he left on this tour of duty.  She became convinced that he was going to leave her for another woman despite his assurances of his love for her. She berates herself for not being a better wife and says that life is not worth living without him. They are able to communicate by phone while he is deployed, so every night she cannot wait to hear from him and cries as they hang up or finish texting.

Jane was an only child.  Her mother was so devastated by the death of her father that she never looked at another man.  Her mother has fought depression throughout her adult life, although she has never been treated for it. Jane had never been depressed until after the birth of her daughter.  Her physical health is fine now, but she has had some health challenges in the past.