Question

Chapter 15 Psychological Disorders: What is Abnormal? (23 marks)

Rationale: The purpose of this activity is to review criterion for psychological disorders.

PART 2: Instructions: For each of the following brief case studies, identify the disorder being described. After you indicate the disorder, identify TWO symptoms from the case study that justifies your answer. Be specific, using the case study symptoms.

3. Maurice is sleeping 12 to 16 hours a day. Over the last two months, his weight has dropped 10 pounds, and he feels as if it takes all his effort to fix a simple bowl of soup. He feels as if he is sitting at the bottom of a hole and simply can’t climb out.

4. When Angela walks into a room full of people, she turns red and feels that everybody's eyes are on her. She’s embarrassed to stand off in a corner by herself, but can’t think of anything to say to anybody. She finds these experiences to be humiliating and can’t wait to get away.

5.         Doug was a soldier with the Canadian forces in Afghanistan. Several members of his group were killed in action. Upon returning home, Doug started having nightmares about his tour of duty. He felt guilty that so many of his friends had been hurt and yet he emerged without a scratch.

Answer 1

3. Maurice seems to be suffering from major depressive disorder. This is because she is experiencing abnormal activity, sleep and appetite, and feels hopeless about her situation.

4. Angela seems to be suffering from social anxiety disorder. This is because she experiences fear of being evaluated and judged by others, and feels the need to escape social situations.

5. Doug appears to be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. This is because he is experiencing nightmares about his past, as well as anxiety and guilt about his survival.