Case Study on "Danielle"

Case Study 8 pages (2949 words) Sources: 3

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Danielle

For millions of people, various forms depression and anxiety disorders are a constant challenge that they must face on a daily basis. Where, in the majority of cases, those individuals who are diagnosed with this order will more than likely face numerous difficulties, in coping with their depression. This has ripple effects on their personal lives, as the underlying consequences are so extreme that it will cause someone to face more difficulties in a professional and social setting. At which point, the chances are good that this will continue to destroy the quality of life, of those who are suffering from this condition. A good example of this can be seen with a study that was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, which found that 80% of the people diagnosed with depression, will more than likely face difficulties at work and in various personal / social situations. At the same time, 30% of those suffering from this condition will require some kind of institutional care. ("How Many People are diagnosed with Depression Each Year," 2010) This is important, because this highlights how those who are affected by the disease, will more than likely face major disruptions in their lives, from the debilitating effects of the condition. To make matters worse, the majority of individuals that are being affected by the disease will attempt suicide at least once. Evidence of this can be seen in study that was conducted by the Journal of Employee Assistance, which found that 90% of the people diagnosed with depression, will more than likely attempt suicide at least once. Where, this is the major cause of death, for those who are suffering from the disorder. ("How Many People are diagnosed with D

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epression Each Year," 2010) This is important, because it underscores how the condition can be so severe that the majority of those being affected by it will more than likely attempt suicide at least once. In the case of Danielle, it is obvious that she suffering from a form of depression that has been having an effect on her personal and professional life. Given the fact, that her roommate was concerned about a suicide attempt in college, (because of her depression) highlights how some kind of immediate action must be taken. To determine how to most effectively reach out to Danielle requires: examining the causes of the client's difficulties, the types of interventions that can be used, how the effectiveness of treatment will determined, additional types of information that would needed and comparing / contrasting the various theories with one another. At the same time, we will examine two different types of intervention theories that could be utilized to include: the traditional family intervention and the gentle family intervention. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to the how a trained mental health professional, can help Danielle to overcome the various effects of her depression.

Causes of the Client's Difficulties

According to the World Health Organization, depression is defined as a common mental disorder that is characterized by a consistent state of depressed feelings and moods. A few of the most common symptoms would include: a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, sadness, guilt, a sense of low self-worth, poor appetite, the loss of sleep, increased anxiety and a lack of concentration.

("Depression," 2010) In Danielle's case, it is obvious that she is suffering from depression, as she has reported: feelings of anxiety for no reason, decreased enjoyment of certain pleasurable activities, a loss of interest in her romantic relationship and the inability to focus on various tasks / challenges. The two forms of depression that could be contributing to the clients difficulties are: major depression and manic depression. Major depression is when the individual will have a consistent demoralized mental state. Where, they will often become disinterested in various activities that they used to enjoy and there is the constant belief that the current situation is helpless. In most cases, it is not unusual to see the person suffering from the condition to experience a loss in: appetite, sexual desires and weight loss. Manic depression is when the individual will go from one mood extreme to the next. With most people, feeling severe emotions of happiness or sadness followed by, a reversal to the opposite end of the spectrum. For example, someone who is suffering from manic depression would have extreme mood swings of happiness, followed by severe bouts of sadness. In general, most people that suffer from this form of depression are increasingly likely to commit suicide at some point in their lives. (Behrman, 2004) In Danielle's situation it is obvious, that she is more than likely suffering from some kind of major depression. As she has trouble: enjoying the activities that she loves, there is a clear lack concentration and her romantic relationship has become strained to the point that she feels uncomfortable during sexual intercourse. Yet, Danielle could also suffer from manic depression, as her roommate in college became so concerned about her committing suicide that she pushed her, to seek out counseling. When you compare the two different types of depression, it is clear, that Danielle could be suffering from combination of both conditions. Where, her recent feelings of sadness and frustration are: helping to bring about increased symptoms of major depression. At the same time, Danielle could suffer from manic depression, as it is apparent that she has had large mood swings at certain points in her life. A good example of this can be seen with her marriage to her husband after four months of dating. The fact that she married him so quickly is sign that she could become overwhelmed, by extreme feelings of pleasure or sadness. This is important, because it shows how Danielle more than likely could have a diagnosis of suffering, from two different types of depression that are overlapping at certain times. As a result, there are more than likely various situations; that the feelings from the major depression are intensified by the manic depression, which could cause her to have extreme emotions of happiness or sadness. Therefore, one could effectively argue, that there are times in Danielle's life that she could be showing these intense emotions. At which point, the people around her could become concerned. Evidence of this, can be seen with her roommate encouraging her to seek out psychological counseling during college. The fact that various mental health professionals could not make such a diagnosis, is troubling, which could help explain why the client has be going through various depressive episodes over the last several years. As a result, this information will provide a basic background as to what two strategies can be used during an intervention.

Types of Interventions to be Used

To help Danielle realize the seriousness of her condition, she must seek out some form of psychological counseling and begin working in a program that will address the obvious issues she is wrestling with. To receive the necessary treatment, some kind of intervention must be organized that will encourage her to address the underlying conditions, that are affecting her mental well being. To achieve this objective, there are two types of interventions that would be effective to include: the traditional family intervention and the gentle family intervention. The traditional family intervention is when the family is trained by a mental health professional, to confront the person, in a non-confrontational manner. At which point, everyone will ask this individual to seek out immediate treatment options. The gentle family intervention is more of a gradual approach in encouraging the person, to seek out some form of treatment. Where, there is a focus on the family / individual and how the actions of the person are affecting their behavior negatively. ("Types of Interventions," 2010) In the case of Danielle, the intervention that would work most effectively is: the gentle family intervention. The reason why this was selected is because, it would involve less formalized training / planning from family members / friends and it could push her to seek out the proper treatment, to reduce the underlying amounts of suffering. When you compare this with the traditional family intervention, it is clear, that this approach would not be necessary. The reason why, is because Danielle has responded favorably to friends in the past, who have encouraged her to seek out treatment. At the same time, she went to a university counseling center, seeking out some kind of assistance for the frustrations that she is having in: her career and her marriage. Because the traditional family approach involves: more training and preparation, it is obvious that this would be ineffective, as additional prep time is required to create the ideal conditions. Given that fact that Danielle, has sought out assistance on her own, this is sign that the gentle family approach would be effective, at encouraging her to seek out assistance and to remain in the program. If these objectives can be achieved, Danielle… READ MORE

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Quoted Instructions for "Danielle" Assignment:

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Areas to be covered for the case study

1.Causes of Client*****s Difficulties

2.Types of Interventions to be used

3. How to Assess the Efficacy of Interventions & Outcomes (effectiveness of treatment)

4. Additional Types of Information Needed (information to collect based on theory)

5. Compare and Contrast (how are the theories alike and how are they different)

The Case of Danielle

Danielle, who had just turned 26, presented herself to a university counseling center with complaints of problems in her work and marriage, as well as being *****on edge and generally unhappy.*****

A structured interview and several psychological tests were administered. Danielle was currently experiencing moderate levels of anxiety and depression. Her history suggested that she had suffered from varying degrees of depression and anxiety throughout most of her life. Recently her anxiety and depression have intensified along with symptoms of claustrophobia. The anxiousness she experiences from being in enclosed spaces is beginning to interfere with her work performance. She also reports periods of free floating anxiety and she just can*****t *****put her finger***** on a cause. During these times, Danielle becomes fearful that she is *****losing my mind.***** Danielle also reports that her husband of almost 2 years is getting tired of hearing about all of her problems and their marriage has suffered.

Danielle described her childhood as being reasonably *****well adjusted and happy***** but did recall being more *****fussy***** and seemed to startle more easily than her two younger brothers. As a child she had a number of *****phobias***** over things like spiders and snakes. She described a recent recurrence of some of these fears and her enjoyment of the outdoors has decreased accordingly. She also stated that her mother was a rather *****anxious person***** and would often be bedridden for rather lengthy periods of time with *****female problems.***** Danielle now believes that her mother suffered from depression. She described her father as being *****one who doe not show affection***** and demanded good performance, both academically and behaviorally. If her performance did not meet her father*****s high expectations, she would be directly punished or would receive the *****cold shoulder***** for a period of hours up to a week.

Academically, Danielle described her grades as being within the above average range until she entered a small college near her hometown. While she struggled academically in college, she did manage to graduate with a BA degree in marketing. She started work on her MBA, however, felt *****burnt out***** with school and quit after one semester. She took an entry-level job with a marketing firm in a major city about 300 miles from her home town.

Shortly after moving to that city, she was introduced to her husband. After a brief and intense courtship of only 4 months, they married. The intensity of their relationship waned almost immediately after the marriage ceremony. Danielle and her husband have been married for almost 2 years and she stated that they have *****settled into a routine***** marked by neither contentment nor obvious problems. She and her husband seldom fight, but they have developed increasingly *****parallel lives.***** Danielle described their daily interactions as being *****pleasant but limited.***** She has recently began to experience discomfort during intercourse which makes her feel even more *****disconnected***** with her spouse.

Danielle*****s psychiatric history is significant for seeking outpatient therapy following a depressive episode in college. Her roommate became so concerned about Danielle*****s suicidal ideation that she made sure Danielle saw a therapist and attended her sessions regularly. Danielle*****s depression quickly improved and she attended only 3 sessions of therapy.

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1. Danielle. A1-TermPaper.com. https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/danielle-millions-people/5217. Published 2010. Accessed October 5, 2024.