Case Study
My client is a nineteen-year-old female named Kara was referred to counseling because of her sporadic behavior changes. Her parents have noticed her behavior change within the last year. They explain her being extremely depressed at times and then energetic at other. Sometimes Kara is sleeping for days and other times she is bursting with energy and unstoppable. After speaking with Kara, it is evident she is unable to concentrate on one thought at a time and is unclear when she communicates. When asking Kara basic questions she becomes irritated quickly and shuts down. Kara exhibits depressed behavior but discusses the times when she doesn’t need to sleep or eat regularly. Kara explains the good times she has when she is on the top of the world and can have as many sexual partners as she desires. Kara is on the brink of loosing her job at the grocery store and will be fired the next time she doesn’t show up. In this discussion, I will form a diagnosis for Kara and explain the medication that could be used for treatment. I will take into …show more content…
I believe she is Bipolar. The appropriate diagnosis for Kara is Bipolar I with Major Depression (F31.4), since she is currently in a depressed state. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) gives a detailed description of Bipolar I, which fits the symptoms Kara is experiencing. There are distinct periods of maniac episodes where Kara becomes elevated with energy for at least one week, most of the day, nearly everyday (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Kara shows symptoms of inflated self esteem, a decrease need for sleep, and an increases in sexual activity (APA, 2013). Kara’s behavior is creating social and occupational impairment (APA, 2013). It is evident; Kara’s behavior is not attributed to substance abuse, medication, or medical conditions (APA,
My client is a nineteen-year-old female named Kara was referred to counseling because of her sporadic behavior changes. Her parents have noticed her behavior change within the last year. They explain her being extremely depressed at times and then energetic at other. Sometimes Kara is sleeping for days and other times she is bursting with energy and unstoppable. After speaking with Kara, it is evident she is unable to concentrate on one thought at a time and is unclear when she communicates. When asking Kara basic questions she becomes irritated quickly and shuts down. Kara exhibits depressed behavior but discusses the times when she doesn’t need to sleep or eat regularly. Kara explains the good times she has when she is on the top of the world and can have as many sexual partners as she desires. Kara is on the brink of loosing her job at the grocery store and will be fired the next time she doesn’t show up. In this discussion, I will form a diagnosis for Kara and explain the medication that could be used for treatment. I will take into …show more content…
I believe she is Bipolar. The appropriate diagnosis for Kara is Bipolar I with Major Depression (F31.4), since she is currently in a depressed state. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) gives a detailed description of Bipolar I, which fits the symptoms Kara is experiencing. There are distinct periods of maniac episodes where Kara becomes elevated with energy for at least one week, most of the day, nearly everyday (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Kara shows symptoms of inflated self esteem, a decrease need for sleep, and an increases in sexual activity (APA, 2013). Kara’s behavior is creating social and occupational impairment (APA, 2013). It is evident; Kara’s behavior is not attributed to substance abuse, medication, or medical conditions (APA,