Psychological Disorder Analysis
Laura Baker
Psy/270
February 18, 2012
Monica Mauri

Psychological Disorder Analysis
Maria is a 42-year-old Hispanic female who came to the clinic ascribing of having trouble sleeping, feeling “jumpy all of the time,” and experiencing difficulty concentrating. She further said, “That these symptoms are causing problems for her at work, where she is an accountant.” She perceived these symptoms to be her cause of declined performance at her job. So she is very concerned about this, and has come in to seek our help.
Upon intake Maria’s symptoms stand in need for analysis to come to a diagnosis. As Maria’s symptoms meet various criteria for Bipolar disorder, Dysthmic disorder, and Major Depression must be eliminated or ruled out. The suspected diagnosis upon her intake is Bipolar disorder or Major Depression. A complete assessment will be done on Maria, and a diagnosis will be determined. After a diagnosis has been established, a brief overview will be explained and possible causes will be explained also, and then followed by an ongoing effective plan of treatment to return the patient to a level of functioning with reduced symptoms.
Maria participated in an in-depth interview process. The first questions initially posed to Maria a starting point for further analysis included in the following: 1. Did you remember any significant problems in your childhood?
Yes. I was abused at age eight through twelve by a family member, but I do not remember too much about those years. I can remember bits and pieces of those years. 2. Tell me about your time in high school. What was it like? What do you remember?
I can remember that I was sociable, but my grades were inconsistent. One report card my grades would be great, but then the next grading period I would be barely passing. 3. Has anyone been diagnosed in your family with a