Case study assignment

Your paper should begin with a heading on the left side of the page which includes: your name, Abnormal Psychology, my name, and due date. Your paper should be typed, double-spaced, 12 point font, 1 inch margins all around, using appropriate spelling and grammar. Your paper should address each of the following subject areas and be composed of approximately two typed pages. If you use your text, and I strongly encourage you to do so, you must include work cited information at the end of your paper.

1. Describe the Client

The first step in writing the case study is to describe the client. In other words, write a summarized account of the client’s background. Document his/her demographics (i.e. gender, educational background, race, culture, economic status, occupation and family/medical history). In some cases, you may even need to document the client’s sexual orientation.

2. Document the Client’s Reason for Seeking Counseling

You will need to document the reason for counseling. In other words, you will need to explain, in your case study, what caused the client to seek counseling? Discuss the client’s reported issues (i.e. when did they begin, what caused them, what the client has done to resolve them, etc.). It is also important to document what steps the client has taken to resolve the issue(s).

3. Describe the Client’s Signs and Symptoms

You will describe the problem or symptoms that the client presented with. Describe any physical, emotional, or sensory symptoms reported by the client. Thoughts, feelings, and perceptions related to the symptoms should also be noted. Include specific information from the data presented that supports your perception of the symptoms. Be sure to identify the most important facts surrounding the case and the key issue or issues that you have identified.

4. Your Tentative Diagnosis

Provide what you feel is the likely diagnosis (anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, eating disorder, etc.). Explain how you reached your conclusion, how the client’s symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria for the disorder(s), or any possible difficulties in reaching a diagnosis. Your text will be of great benefit here. Do not fear this section. I am not as interested in a specifically correct diagnosis as I am in how you support/what evidence you present with regard to the diagnosis you have chosen.

5. Future Steps

Explain the techniques, therapies and exercises which you would suggest. What are the key elements that must be addressed? Again, your text will provide you with treatment options for whatever disorder you select as the diagnosis.