1. Read the case study. Read Chapters 8 and 10. Become familiar with the disorders presented in those chapters.
2. Using the template below, come up with your diagnostic impression & treatment recommendation(s) and provide justification for your conclusions.
3. Submit your assignment.
Case #2
Norman, a 43 year-old middle-class male, lived at his mother’s home with his 12 year-old son. He stated that for as long as he could remember, he had always felt kind of down and did not have much fun. Making decisions were difficult and often thought very little of himself and his future. The longest period of feeling “normal” or, at least, less depressed lasted one week. Despite feeling down, Norman graduated college and secured a job in the public sector.
Reportedly, Norman was told by others that his future was bright but he didn’t think so. He worked at the same position for 20 years and was never promoted. His wife, discouraged by his continued feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem and low energy eventually divorced him. Norman moved in with his mother so that she could help care for his son and share living expenses.
Norman mentioned that he had experienced several periods in his life where his low mood was worse than anything he had previously known. His self-esteem went from low to nonexistent and he went from having difficulties making decisions to being unable to make a decision at all. During these times, which would last from one to two months, he would sometimes miss work and sleep in bed the entire day adding that he felt “completely exhausted” as if “lead had filled [his] arms and legs”. Moreover, he stated that his family and friends were usually worried about him but he could not less for them or anything for that matter. Not surprisingly, he often would miss work, would be unable to complete projects and was eventually let go. He admitted that on several occasions he attempted suicide.
These bouts of depression always seem to pass and Norman returns to his state of low mood. Following the termination from his work, he felt doubtful of his abilities but reluctantly started to search for jobs. After a few years of waiting for something to turn up, he realized that he was unable to solve his own problems and sought the help of a mental healthcare professional.
List the symptoms from the clinical case that meet the specific criteria for the diagnosis you made. Remember, there may be two or more applicable diagnoses. In addition, list the other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention. It is highly recommended that you use the brief student guide to DSM-5.
