Case Study- DSM-IV



Case Study- DSM-IV

Introduction

DSM-IV is a method published by American -Psychiatric - Association. It an ultimate guide to mental disorders (Phillips, et al., 2003). This approach involves the use of multidimensional or multi-axial approach for the diagnosis because it is rare that other factors in the life of the patient have significant influence on the mental health status of a person. In this paper, we will discuss the DSM -IV with respect to the case study of Rudy. We will also diagnose the problem faced by the patient with the help of DSM-IV.

Discussion

To proceed, we need to know the process of DSM-IV. This process assesses five dimensions as explained below:

 

Axis I - Clinical Syndromes

In this step we diagnose typical factors like schizophrenia, depression or social phobia.

Axis II- Personality and Development Disorders

The personality disorders are the clinical syndromes containing more long lasting symptoms. These disorders encompass the way an individual interact with the world. These disordered include, Anti-social, Paranoid and borderline Personality Disorders. On the other hand, Development disorders include mental retardation, autism and disorder that are evident in childhood (Hersen & Turner, 1991).

Axis-III- Physical Conditions

These conditions play significant role in developing, continuing or exacerbating disorders of Axis I and II. Physical condition, like brain injury or AIDS/HIV that leads to the symptom of mental disorders is included in this category (First, et al., 2002).

Axis- IV- Severity of Psychosocial Stressors

Life events of the patient including death of loved ones, start of new job, unemployment, college life events and marriage may place significant affect on the disorders listed in Axis -I and II. These events are rated and listed for this Axis (Hersen & Turner, 1991).

Axis- V- Highest Level of Functioning

On this last axis, the healthcare professionals rate the level of function of the patient both the highest level within last year and at the present time. This process is helpful for professionals to understand how the above four axes affect the life of a person and what are the expected changes (Phillips, et al., 2003).



Presenting the Problem

The child is suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder sowing the signs of behavioral misconducts and psychological disturbance.

History of the Presenting Problem

At present the patient is 17 years old. At the age of 12 years, Rudy was diagnosed with disorder of behavioral misconduct. He showed cruel attitude toward his pets and other animals. He had an indifferent attitude for the pain suffered by his pets. In fact, Rudy indicated a bizarre and morbid fascination with their death. On numerous occasions, Rudy has gotten into trouble at both school and in the neighborhood. He almost always associates with a negative peer group. Specifically, he associates with a group of juveniles that are younger than him. All of these juveniles look up to Rudy due to his ability to manipulate others and because he has a reputation of acting out with violence. Rudy frequently experiences periods of extreme anger and is known to have severe outbursts when he is ...