Sample Ideas 2 1 2 .docx - Running head: CLINICAL CASE...

Running head: CLINICAL CASE STUDY 1
Clinical Case Study
Alexis Marsh, Charlene Noel, Baylee Vanbeekom
California Baptist University
Authors Note
The following paper is being submitted to Professor Virgo Handojo on March 2, 2018, in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for Abnormal Psychology, PSY346-B.

CLINICAL CASE STUDY 2
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to assess a patient, Cheng, an Asian-American male, based on a
clinical report given that states his presented symptoms, mental status exam, present situation
and relevant history, and prior treatment. With this clinical report, the use of the DSM-5
classification system will be used to develop an assessment with any rule-outs, a declared
diagnosis, and a treatment plan with the declared diagnosis. Major Depressive Disorder is the
declared diagnosis for Cheng.
Keywords : Clinical report, DSM-5, assessment, diagnosis, treatment

CLINICAL CASE STUDY 3
Clinical Case Study
The clinical report presented was on a Asian-American male by the name of Cheng.
Cheng was referred to the Community Mental Health Center by Darin Community College for
Cheng failing to maintain the minimum grade point average. The clinical report states that Cheng
had expressed no desire to attend college but rather feels “forced” by his mother's wishes. The
presented situation reveals a pattern in Cheng feeling no control over his own life decisions,
feelings of guilt, and conflict between expressing his views while obeying his mother.
In assessing Cheng’s case, Cheng displays some abnormal behavior which includes, but
not limited to, failing his college courses, his reports of decrease in appetite, energy and
interrupted sleep, his presentation of low mood and depressed affect, and poor eye contact.
Consideration from the Humanistic-Existential Model, that focuses on the human need to
confront issues such as self-awareness, values and meaning (Comer, 2015, p. 94), show that
Cheng may potentially need to see an Existential therapist. Because Cheng expressed the weight
of responsibility he has to hold the role in caring after his immediate family, he lacks strength in
communicating his feelings and opinions without his mom causing him a sense of guilt. An
existential therapist could help Cheng “recognize [his] freedom to choose a different course”
and live a life where he feels meaning (Comer, 2015, p. 94). With his expression of feeling a
lack of control over his life, there is a clear boundary in the way of Cheng pursuing his own
decisions without feeling unworthiness and positive support from his mother.