Elizabeth Diaz Case Study

Elizabeth Diaz is a right-handed, eighteen year old Hispanic heterosexual female. Currently, Elizabeth is continuing her education in a public high school setting. Elizabeth comes from an English dominant speaking household and currently lives with her mother, grandparents, and younger sister. There are no reports of any pre or post natal difficulties at birth. Although experienced difficulty sleeping during her toddler years, she appeared to meet developmental milestones at an appropriate rate. Elizabeth’s parents have been divorced for approximately seven years where she has very little to no interaction with her biological father. Elizabeth has a medical history of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), depression, and mood disorder …show more content…
However, she expresses herself clearly when she does communicate with others. She is described as easily upset, has a short attention span, overreacts with difficulties, and demonstrates mood swings. Elizabeth has numerous absences throughout the school year. Elizabeth has frequently been unable to complete a normal school day. When at school, she demonstrates gross insubordination and can not comply with the school rules. It is indicated by Elizabeth that she allegedly witness both physical and verbal abuse being administered to her mother by her biological father when she was a child creating the belief that this experience played a role in her present lack of emotional stability. Since then, Elizabeth has a problem with authoritative figures, specifically male adults. She often acts without thinking and gets into verbal altercations with staff members. In addition, she often worries, is nervous, and says she is afraid of making mistakes. It is indicated that Elizabeth often stares blankly and sometimes displays other strange behaviors such as being unaware of others and out of touch with