Download Case Study Assignment Name: Date: Period

Case Study Assignment
Name:
Date:
Period:
Target: Explore the various methods of conducting psychological research
including case studies, surveys, experiments, and naturalistic
observation.
Directions: Using your textbook (mainly pages 509-552) or your phone,
choose a psychological disorder to research and create a case study (indepth analysis of 1 person) describing the disorder including the
symptoms and treatment options. The case study can be entirely made-up
or based on a true story. For example, the textbook chronicles serial killer
Jeffrey Dahmer. The following is a list of requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Discuss major symptoms
Discuss any causes or underlying factors (genetics etc)
Discuss treatment options
The case study should be 6-7 well-written sentences and a fictional
and real example are provided to help you!
5. 15 points total
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Susie: A Real Case Study on Bi-Polar 1
Susie is clearly displaying symptoms of bipolar I disorder. She believes that she is a
“superwoman” who does not need a male to help her reproduce, therefore having no need for
menstruation. She also believes that she was able to switch souls with a senator making her
more than eligible for a position within the U.S. government. Finally, she is campaigning for an
election that is not even taking place at the time. This all points to psychotic episodes, which is a
symptom only present in the bipolar I category. She is displaying mania by writing all over her
things and making notes to herself on her computer. In addition, she has deviated from her
natural behavior which is evident through her disorganization. This is not Susie’s first episode of
mania and in the past her mania was followed by a deep depression that even led her to suicidal
thoughts.
Studies show that there is a clear link between genetics and bipolar disorder but have
been unable to identify exactly what the abnormality is. There have been numerous studies on
monozygotic (MZ) twins, first generation relatives (i.e. mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers),
and unrelated people. All studies dealing with family and those who suffer from a bipolar
disorder show that the closer the genetic ties the more prevalent bipolar is in those studied. The
chances of two people selected at random to have a propensity of bipolar is around only 1
percent, first generation relatives show about a 10 percent chance, and it is about 60% more
likely for both monozygotic twins to develop bipolar disorder (Caddock & Jones, 1999). This
rate of 60 percent is the highest known rate between those related to share the same genetic
disorder (Durand & Barlow, 2007). There have also been links to family members who have
other disorders such as manic depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (NIMH, 2008).
Antipsychotic medications are also sometimes prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, although they
are usually prescribed in conjunction of other medications. Olanzapine and Aripiprazole are
often prescribed together with an antidepressant to help relieve symptoms of severe mania,
psychosis, or a mixed episode (NIMH, 2008). Seroquel is used to treat the symptoms of sudden
manic episodes and became the first antipsychotic to receive FDA approval for treating bipolar
depressive episodes in 2006 (NIMH, 2008).
Antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Wellbutrin are often prescribed to treat
the symptoms of depression which occur those with bipolar disorder. Patients who take these
antidepressants usually take a mood stabilizer, as well, which works to prevent the risk of
switching to mania or hypomania or of developing symptoms which cycle rapidly (NIMH,
2008).