Diagnosis paper

Diagnosis Paper # 4

Due Wednesday, May 5th by class

GENERAL INFORMATION: Each diagnosis paper involves the review of a real individual with

mental illness. There will be four diagnosis papers in total. You will be asked to identify the

symptoms present and the functional impairment present for the individual. You will propose

a DSM-V classification for the individual and provide a justification for your choice. When

applicable, you will be asked to formulate an understanding of the development and/or

maintenance of the symptomology.

SUBSTANCE USE CASE: The fourth clinical case is that of an individual with an alcohol-

related substance use disorder. Unlike prior case studies, there are TWO videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnKOhVrMBKY (2008)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4sh0ZI1ikQ (2017 – Update on progress)

As you watch the video, think about whether the individual meets criteria for Substance Use

Disorder by reviewing the symptoms of the disorder as listed in the DSM-V (see table below).

At times the disorder’s criteria may be fully evident, and other times there may be

insufficient information provided. As always, write in basic APA format (12 pt., Times New

Roman font, black font, double spaced, ½ inch indents, no extra spaces between

paragraphs). Your task is to:

1. Describe the symptoms of mental illness presented (including frequency,

intensity, and duration when available). Be sure to include the emotional,

behavioral, and thought-based symptoms experienced by the individual. Give

concrete examples. Describe the functional impairment experienced by the

individual. (2-4 paragraphs; 3 points)

a. Organize your text following along with the diagnostic criteria for the

given diagnosis. The video may present incomplete information or

information that is inconsistent with the diagnostic criteria (we don’t

all fit perfectly in the boxes). In these cases, your paper should

describe the inconsistencies between the video and the diagnostic

criteria.

2. For the substance use disorder case, consider in more depth Ed’s perspective on

the development and treatment of the illness. What factors does he speculate

caused his alcoholism? What initiated Ed’s recovery, and how does he feel about

becoming and staying sober? (1 point)

3. Complete the diagnostic table presented below, and copy/paste the table into

your paper at the end of your text (1 point).

DSM-V Diagnostic Criteria Symptoms present for the individual, as

demonstrated with direct quotes or

behavioral observations from the

interview

Recurrent substance use in situations where it

is physically hazardous

Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure

to fulfill major role obligations at work, school,

or home

Continued substance use despite having

persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal

problems caused or exacerbated by the effects

of the substance

Craving or a strong desire or urge to use the

substance

Substance is taken in larger amounts or over a

longer period than was intended

There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful

efforts to cut down or control substance use

A great deal of time is spent in activities

necessary to obtain the substance, use the

substance, or recover from its effects

Important social, occupational, or recreational

activities are given up or reduced because of

substance use

Substance use is continued despite knowledge

of having a persistent or recurrent physical or

psychological problem that is likely to have

been caused or exacerbated by substance use

Tolerance, as defined by either:

1. a need for markedly increased amounts of substance to achieve intoxication or

desired effect or

2. a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of

the substance

Withdrawal, as manifested by either:

1. the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance

2. the substance (or a closely related substance) is taken to relieve or avoid

withdrawal symptoms

Based on the number of symptoms endorsed,

does the individual have a mild, moderate, or

severe substance use disorder?

Mild / Moderate / Severe

ADDTIIONAL INFORMATION: Please upload this paper to your individual folder located in the

class google drive folder

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1px9LMSV4znVSD30zccRGs5ComnBJtwUy?usp=sh

aring

Each student has their own folder. You are welcome to store whatever you would like in your

personal folder (e.g., drafts) but please make sure to you have saved your final draft to the

subfolder labeled “Assignment Submissions”. I will accept late assignments; however, all

late assignments will be downgraded 4% per day. This policy thus provides some flexibility

for times when students have too much on their plates. However, the penalties add up

quickly, and so the cost is high. Take care to use this flexibility sparingly.