Case vignettes mental health

Developed by the American Psychological Association (APA), the DSM 5 has become a standard reference for psychologists to classify and diagnose mental disorders. To create an understanding of how the tool works, this paper will explore three case study vignettes that focus on anxiety, trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Evidence-based treatments for obsessive-compulsive behavior will also be recommended. Case Vignettes Fred Fred’s disorder can be classified under Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders in the DSM-V. This is because Fred fits several criteria in that classification, but that does not imply that he may not fall under other categories. The fact that Fred opts to ride his bike to work instead of using the subway suggests that Fred is still fearful. Criterion C requires that one have trauma-related thoughts, reminders, or feelings.

Fred fits this criterion because of his compounding stress. The fact that Fred shows decreased interest in activities like taking the bus as well as feelings of isolation make him fit criterion D for post-traumatic stress disorder. His irritability and hyper-vigilance mean that he fits criterion E, and the fact that the symptoms have lasted for more than a month mean that Fred fits criterion F. 820)] (APA, 2013). Stacey Stacey’s diagnosis falls under social anxiety disorders in APA’s DSM 5. Her paralyzing fear of public speaking indicates that she suffers from situational phobia [DSM 5 300. 29 (F40. 248)] (APA, 2013). Thirdly, she experiences social situations with intense fear and anxiety. Fourth, the fear or anxiety she exhibits is not proportional to the actual danger caused by social situations.

Fifth, her anxiety is persistent and has lasted more than 6 months. Sixth, her anxiety causes considerable distress in Stacey’s important areas of functioning. Finally, her anxiety cannot be explained by the presence of a mental illness, a medication she is taking, or substance abuse. There are also other categories in which Phil can fit, making them the secondary diagnoses. He fits into the obsessive-compulsive disorder category because he experiences obsessions and compulsions according to the first criteria for OCD in the DSSM 5 [DSM 5 300. 3 (F42. 2)] (APA, 2013). Obsessions are unwanted enduring thoughts that may cause stress and anxiety while compulsions are repetitive behaviors in response to obsessions. People with the disorder can cause distress to the people in their daily lives. It implies that Phil needs to receive treatment to improve his daily functioning.

According to Thompson-Hollands, Edson, Tompson, and Comer (2014), the best treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorders are psychotropic medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Psychotropic medications are recommended by physicians and researchers alike in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders because they are the most effective. One such medication is known as SRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) (Thompson-Hollands, et al. It helps them change not only their thinking but also their behavior. Research on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder The research selected for this section was conducted in 2015 by Arco, L. In the study, he investigates the effects of obsessive-compulsive disorder cormobid with major depressive disorder. The researcher’s aim was to compare the effects of psychotropic medications and behavioral interventions in the treatment of adults with both conditions (Arco, 2015). The study took twenty-one months and entailed actual treatment by a therapist full with medications and talking sessions.

Mr. B, on the other hand, had compulsions so strong that he had to leave his home so as to cook or take a bath and not mess up his space. Both men’s marriages suffered because of their conditions. How the Research Informs Professional Behavior It has been established that obsessive compulsive disorders are frequent upsetting thoughts of an individual that cause them extreme levels of anxiety, prompting them to engage in behaviors known as compulsions in an attempt to relieve the anxiety. People with the disorder are at a high risk of developing other mental illnesses, specifically depression. The psychotropic drugs used to treat OCDs require relatively high adherence compared to other medications. Missing one dose can significantly plough back any gains or improvements that a patient had made in the treatment.