Assignment
Michael, a 15-year-old Hispanic male, was referred for treatment because of his increasing difficulty functioning at home and school. His presenting problems include learning disabilities, poor impulse control, and substance abuse. He also suffers from rapid changes in his mood, and at times appears to gaze off into space, and "zone out." Michael lives with his biological mother, Nicole (a nurse), his 10-year-old sister Anna, and his maternal aunt Martha (a primary school educational assistant). His father died after a long battle with cancer when Michael was 5-years old. Michael used to do well in school, achieving above-average marks, scoring high on standardized tests, and participating in sports. Two years ago, his grades started to slip. He started missing school and began fighting at school. Michael reports that he began drinking when he was 12 years old, first with friends on the weekend, and then from age 14, he has drunk alcohol almost daily. He denies using other substances. Michael was expelled from school for attendance issues and fighting six-months-ago. Since then, he has been making money by doing yard work in his neighborhood. He has no history of suicide nor suicidal ideation and denies sexual abuse.
Michael has a small number of friends who he does spend time with and has a girlfriend, Samantha, who is two years older than he is. He has had more frequent contact with police over the last six months and was charged with assault and drinking in public a month ago. The court released him on conditions pending trial. It was unclear which aspects of his problems were due to psychiatric illness related to possible subtle underlying neurologic problems caused by his substance abuse. Using the Biopsychosocial Model of diagnostic evaluation and treatment, the evaluation was positive for signs and symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Conduct Disorder, and a Temporal Lobe Syndrome resulting from substance abuse (Substance Use Disorder). In addition, neuropsychological testing indicated cognitive limitations that had not been previously identified. The recommendations for antidepressant medication to treat the depression, along with anti-seizure medication to treat the temporal lobe syndrome, was prescribed by the physician. He spent three weeks in intensive daily psychotherapy with a clinical therapist to address his behavioral problems. He was then placed in a vocational training program that addressed both his cognitive limitations and mental health problems while teaching him tangible job skills. Currently, his mood has improved, behavioral problems are significantly reduced, and he can focus on his vocational training. He has recently returned to the family home, where there are limited community resources.
Task
A. Michael was diagnosed with five mental disorders. Describe three of the disorders that most interest you.
B. Explain how these disorders impact Michael's life and may contribute to his development and behavior.
C. Apply one of the theoretical perspectives listed below to explain the development of these disorders. a. Biosocial Theories b. Organismic Theories c. Learning Theories d. Sociological Theories
D. Discuss risk factors that might contribute to the development of these disorders. Discuss protective factors that might provide Michael with coping mechanisms and resilience.
E. Address the impact of ethnic and gender considerations on Michael's development.