Abnormal Psychology

Case study

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Abnormal Psychology

Based on the readings from the Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology, Sam suffers from anxiety. The evidence to support this is through the DCM-5, which talks about distress as one of the aspects of abnormal behavior. A person shows signs of distress due to the disabling conditions that they are experiencing (Comer, 2011). I selected the model because from the case study, Sam’s experiences of abnormal behavior led to panic attacks, and he thought he was going to die. The case study also shows that his anxiety attacks caused him to dread being in public places. Information regarding the psychological conditions affecting Sam can be collected using the unstructured interview. The main reason for using this method is to have a better understanding of the client by creating an environment that allows him to express himself. The process proves to be convenient, but it has several limitations. Unstructured interviews are time-consuming, and the information gathered is bulky, making it hard to compile the data collected.

According to the case study, Sam experiences anxiety symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, racing heart and sweating. The clinical tests that can be used to determine Sam’s condition include a chest x-ray to determine the presence of fluids in the lungs and Echocardiogram which Sam’s doctor already performed. I selected these specific assessments because they are used to determine the cause of the anxiety attacks that Sam is experiencing. Therapy is one form of treatment that would fit the selected model. The treatment will be beneficial because it will reduce the feelings of distress associated with it. The goal of therapy is to improve mental health and improve relaxation of the mind. Based on the reading, “on being sane in insane places” (Rosenhem 1973) and the case study, I agree with Rosenham’s promise regarding mental illness.

References

Comer, R. J. (2011). Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers.

Rosenhan, D. L. (1973). On being sane in insane places. Science, 179(4070), 250-258.