Dominique Bailey
PSY/270
June 21, 2015
Jennifer Cardine
Psychological Disorder Analysis
Marla is a 42-year-old Hispanic female who comes to the mental health clinic complaining of having trouble sleeping, feeling "jumpy all of the time," and experiencing an inability to concentrate. These symptoms are causing problems for her at work, where she is an accountant. In order to help Marla and determine what condition she may have a clinical interview must be conducted to find out more information about Marla’s past life and present life.
Clinical Interview:
Clinician: “Hello Marla, what brings you here today?” Marla: “Well I have been having trouble sleeping, I feel really jumpy, and I am having a difficult time being productive at work. Lately I haven’t been able to finish the things that I start and that’s not like me. I am so confused by all of this. Clinician: “What are your expectations of therapy?” Marla: “I just want to feel like myself again. I want to be more in control.” Clinician: “I understand, well I believe that can be accomplished, but in order for us to make progress I am going to need you to be completely honest with me, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Also please do not withhold any information from me.” Clinician: “Let’s get started, how was your childhood?” Marla: “It was pretty normal, like anyone else.” Clinician: “How did you get along with your parents?” Marla: “My dad was always away on business trips so I really didn’t see him in the house a lot. My Mother and I spent most days alone. I remember her being really sad whenever he was gone. She used to love to sing and had a lovely voice but one day the singing stopped.” Clinician: “What is your relationship like with them now?” Marla: “I actually don’t see them very much, only on holidays. My mom is in her own little world most of the time and I think my dad is thinking about putting her in a home.” Clinician: “What are your thoughts about that?” Marla: “I think it is the best option right now.” Clinician: “How was your social life growing up?”
Marla: “It was pretty good until I got to college. In college I spent a lot of time in my dorm studying, I mainly kept to myself. I gained a lot of weight in college because I was always eating while studying. I often felt like I had to study more than other students like I wasn’t as smart.” Clinician: “How your social life now, any close friends?” Marla: “Not really I am always busy with work stuff and I never really kept in touch with anyone. I did have a dog named Buddy but he ran away.” Clinician: “You mentioned working a lot how are you doing in your career?”
Marla: “Well I like my job it pays the bills. It’s just that after doing the same thing over and over day in and day the number begin to run together after a while.” Clinician: “What about any goals? Do you feel you have accomplished them?” Marla: “Yeah I guess I did graduate college and get a degree. I do not have a family of my own or any children. The General Manager said that I could get a manager position if I don’t make any more mistakes with the files. I been there for almost 20 years and I feel like that’s the lease they could do.” Clinician: “Are there any other times in your life where you felt like you had these feelings that you described to me earlier of not being in control or feeling hopeless?” Marla: “Yeah I guess I have back in my college years. I just would stay busy whenever those feeling overwhelmed me and I eventually would just go away. The feeling would always come and go over the years but it never would last this long though. It has been almost a year.” Clinician: “Whenever you have these “feelings” you speak about how do you feel about your situation, choices, and life?” Marla: “Well I think for the most part I feel just fine about my situation, choices, and life. I am satisfied!” Clinician: “Ok, Marla Do you have questions for me? “ Marla: “No, none that I can think of right now.”