Mood Swings and Disorder

Signs and Symptoms (10%)

In no more than one page, list the signs and symptoms of the client

• Very negative attitude

• Does not complete work assigned

• Very disrupted in class

• Has had to be sent to time out many times

• Does not share details about life when asked

• Does not follow rules

• Dares teacher to "make him" behave

• Also tends to just glare at teacher when told to do something

• Will not share how he's feeling

• Other children avoid him

• Has persisted with at least two teachers (same problem in third grade)

• Violent outbursts (slams fist on table, etc.)

• Will not take blame for actions just completed

Differential Diagnoses (25%)

In no more than three pages:

A) List three differential diagnoses

a. Anti-social personality disorder

Poor/abusive relationships

Hostility & irritability iii. Being consistently irresponsible and failing to fulfill work and financial obligations

b. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

i. Memories of traumatic even (dad leaving, abuse, etc.)

ii. Negative cognitions/mood iii. Irritability c. Depression

i. Irritability/restlessness

ii. Persistent sad, anxious or empty feelings iii. Feelings of pessimism/hopelessness

3. Give a complete DSM-5 diagnosis, including specifiers (30%)

• Boderline Personality Disorder

iv. Fear of being left alone

v. Aggressive behaviors

vi. Intense Behavior and mood swings vii. Relationship problems

a. Give the complete DSM-5 Code Number - 301.83

b. Give the complete ICD-10 Code Number - F60.3

c. Write out the complete diagnosis -- Bobby is exhibiting telltale symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder. Surely brought on, at least in part, by the domestic abuse rendered against him and the rest of this family and the sudden departure of his alcohol-addicted father.

4. In no more than three pages, justify your final diagnosis. (35%)

There are a few reasons why Borderline Personality Disorder is almost certainly the right diagnosis in this instance. They are as follows:

• It is commonly held that trauma or abuse is one of the main precursors or Borderline Personality Disorder. Bobby (and others in his family) have certainly been subjected to this. Just a few examples include the following:

• Bobby and the other children being abused directly by the father

• The mother being abused by the father and Bobby witnessing it

• The sudden departure of the father has obviously impacted Bobby, even if it was really for the best

• Bobby being raised alongside as many siblings as he has is surely not a good thing for him