Precious McNeil

Precious McNeilJune 24, 2015Psychology 349CASE STUDY:THE DEPRESSED TEEN

Introduction: Kaleema is a 17 year old, African American female born below the poverty line, from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who presents with ongoing signs of mental and emotional instability. Her mother Doris left her father when Kaleema was ten years old because of problems with domestic violence and alcohol abuse. Her mother called the office sometime yesterday to ask if a counselor could help Kaleema because she was concerned about her health and wellbeing. Case Analysis: Doris states that Kaleema has lost several pounds and has been sleeping in more frequently for the last several months. Doris states that Kaleema has been spiraling out of control for the past two years and she doesnt know how to prevent whats happening to help get her life back on track. Kaleema is withdrawn from both her friends and family and has become less interested in her appearance and things that once mattered a great deal to her. She has stopped participating in her schools book club and no longer enjoys going to the gym three days a week. She is frequently tardy and sometimes absent from school, and her grades have significantly decreased. She has developed a short fuse and is quick to anger. She has become pessimistic, moody and suspicious of others. She appears to have a very gloomy outlook towards life. She often cries a great deal and prefers to keep to herself. Kaleema complains of feelings of worthlessness and states that no one understands her. Her mother reports that Kaleema has been sneaking to drink alcohol and possibly smoking marijuana when she leaves the house, which is not often. An investigation of Kaleemas history from social services reveals that she may have been emotionally neglected during earlier periods of childhood as a result of her mothers abusive relationship with her father. Emotional neglect often involves failing to provide emotional support which may stem from inattention and omissions of things that provide emotional stability. Its common for domestic violence, neglect, poverty, race and low social status to cause negative outcomes for teenagers. Problems such as these often lead to adverse social, physical, psychological and intellectual development in young people. Poor minorities often face significant challenges and restricted life opportunities. Studies suggest that being an ethnic minority may cause greater risk for development of mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Negative exposures often lead young people to have poor views of the world, themselves, and the people around them. Many depressed teens use drugs or alcohol to cope with problems as a form of self-medication, which may also lead to juvenile delinquency (Jensen, 2009).Intervention Methods: Kaleema is mentally and emotionally disturbed from exposure to domestic violence, poverty and neglect. These disturbances have resulted in a depressed mood, weight-loss, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and possible substance abuse. Psychiatric help is strongly recommended. Kaleema meets several criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Treatment options for appropriate intervention plans should be quickly discussed after receiving Kaleemas active agreement to participate in a plan. Useful Questions for Counseling1. What do want from counseling?Different people expect different results. Do you believe you have a problem? Who or what do you believe is responsible for the problems you have? What do you think it will take to get you back on track? Would a better environment, finances, or social support help you achieve your goals? Whats the first thing you believe you should work on? 2. Have you had any traumatic events to take place in your life? How did this make you feel? Do you have recurring thoughts, dreams, images, or perceptions about this situation? Fear, helplessness, agitation? Do you avoid situations (i.e. thoughts, feelings, conservations, places or activities) that remind you of the event? If so, how long have the disturbances been taking place?3. How would you describe your mood in general? Moods can change from day to day depending on whats happening. Is your mood up and down like a roller coaster, or is it somewhat fixed? What do others say about your mood? How do these problems usually make you feel? How often are you in a bad mood? What makes these problems worse? What does it take to get you out of a bad mood? What things make you happy? Does drugs and alcohol help you deal with your problems? What obstacles do you need to overcome? Are you truly ready for change?4. How do you feel about yourself? Would you say you have high self-esteem or low self-esteem? Self-image is very important. Does it matter to you how others see you as a person? Is having family around important to you? Do you typically feel better alone or around groups of people? How do you get along with other people? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?5. What makes you feel better? What helps you to forget about your problems? What things hold your interests? How do you communicate with other people? Sometimes people pick up different moods from being around certain people. Have you tried anything yourself to make the problems get better or go away? What do you wish to change about your life? 6. Whats most important to you? Family, friends, money, education, good health, career, marriage, children, living a long life etc.? What are your goals in life? Begin by creating a list.2

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