Application Assignment 3: Case Study 1.
Lanie Then PSY:3330 Childhood Psychopathology Dr. Denburg April 7, 2024 Case Study 1 Stephen Stall is a 9-year-old Caucasian male, who was brought to the clinic by his parents following displays of behavior that has made him difficult to control. Behaviors mentioned by his parents include not listening to his teacher, aggression toward his younger sister, running and riding from his parents, arguing with and yelling at his parents, not complying with his parents’ requests, tantrums involving crying, yelling, and punching objects. Based on the symptoms Stephen has shown, I would diagnose him with oppositional defiant disorder. Stephan refuses to comply with his parents’ commands, argues with his parents, …show more content…
It is also important to note that Stephens issues appear to be present both at home and at school, so it is unlikely that the behavior is caused solely by abuse at home or bullying at school. This disorder commonly precedes conduct disorder, which is a concern seeing as Stephen has shown physical aggression towards his younger sister. It is also highly comorbid with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which Stephen also exhibits symptoms of. According to the American Psychiatric Association, oppositional defiant disorder is characterized by angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and vindictiveness. A diagnosis requires four symptoms to be present for at least six months. Symptoms of this disorder are losing temper frequently, being touchy and easily annoyed, being angry or resentful, arguing with authority figures, defying and refusing to comply with rules or authority figures commands, intentionally annoying others, blaming others for one’s own mistakes or misbehavior, and lastly being spiteful or vindictive at least twice in the past six months. The behavior must cause the individual or those around the individual distress or cause the individual to disfunction. The behavior …show more content…
Stephen’s father lost his job a few weeks ago, which has since caused the family financial problems. This job loss has also caused conflict within the family, including Mr. and Mrs. Stall fighting with each other. The fighting clearly bothers Stephen, as he expressed in his interview that he wishes his father were out of the house because of it. Stephen also expresses feeling deprived of time with friends at school, likely because he is frequently missing recess to complete his work and does not want his friends to come over to his house because of his parents fighting. Considering Stephen’s disorder is mostly present at home, I feel Stephen would benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy to address his problematic behavior. I also feel it would be beneficial for Mr. and Mrs. Stall to be involved in Stephen’s treatment. It could help if they work on their communication with Stephen, and seeing as their current choice of disciplinary style has not worked in managing Stephen’s behavior, learn alternative forms of discipline. I would also inform them of how much their fighting bothers Stephen,
Lanie Then PSY:3330 Childhood Psychopathology Dr. Denburg April 7, 2024 Case Study 1 Stephen Stall is a 9-year-old Caucasian male, who was brought to the clinic by his parents following displays of behavior that has made him difficult to control. Behaviors mentioned by his parents include not listening to his teacher, aggression toward his younger sister, running and riding from his parents, arguing with and yelling at his parents, not complying with his parents’ requests, tantrums involving crying, yelling, and punching objects. Based on the symptoms Stephen has shown, I would diagnose him with oppositional defiant disorder. Stephan refuses to comply with his parents’ commands, argues with his parents, …show more content…
It is also important to note that Stephens issues appear to be present both at home and at school, so it is unlikely that the behavior is caused solely by abuse at home or bullying at school. This disorder commonly precedes conduct disorder, which is a concern seeing as Stephen has shown physical aggression towards his younger sister. It is also highly comorbid with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which Stephen also exhibits symptoms of. According to the American Psychiatric Association, oppositional defiant disorder is characterized by angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and vindictiveness. A diagnosis requires four symptoms to be present for at least six months. Symptoms of this disorder are losing temper frequently, being touchy and easily annoyed, being angry or resentful, arguing with authority figures, defying and refusing to comply with rules or authority figures commands, intentionally annoying others, blaming others for one’s own mistakes or misbehavior, and lastly being spiteful or vindictive at least twice in the past six months. The behavior must cause the individual or those around the individual distress or cause the individual to disfunction. The behavior …show more content…
Stephen’s father lost his job a few weeks ago, which has since caused the family financial problems. This job loss has also caused conflict within the family, including Mr. and Mrs. Stall fighting with each other. The fighting clearly bothers Stephen, as he expressed in his interview that he wishes his father were out of the house because of it. Stephen also expresses feeling deprived of time with friends at school, likely because he is frequently missing recess to complete his work and does not want his friends to come over to his house because of his parents fighting. Considering Stephen’s disorder is mostly present at home, I feel Stephen would benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy to address his problematic behavior. I also feel it would be beneficial for Mr. and Mrs. Stall to be involved in Stephen’s treatment. It could help if they work on their communication with Stephen, and seeing as their current choice of disciplinary style has not worked in managing Stephen’s behavior, learn alternative forms of discipline. I would also inform them of how much their fighting bothers Stephen,