Essay
Abnormal Psychology: Diagnostic Analysis
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In this essay a patient is examined according to the DSM-5. Main diagnosis and alternative ones are provided, as well as aetiology, prognosis and treatment.
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2538050 Block 1A diagnostic analysis of Buhle
Buhle, a 38-year-old single mom of one daughter is experiencing difficulty in coping with her
daily life. She says she feels anxious, has headaches, and experiences impairment in her
concentration and memory. Because of this and other cognitive issues, Buhle has been unable
to run her business and her relationship with her fiancé has ended. Therefore, in this essay, a
critical diagnostic analysis will be performed on Buhle. Her abnormal behaviours will be
analysed and diagnosed. Additionally, the diagnosis’ aetiology, prognosis and treatments will
be unpacked.
Buhle’s abnormal behaviour
According to Barlow et al. (2017), a psychological disorder is a psychological dysfunction
associated with distress, impairment and atypicality. Psychological disorders are abnormal
behaviours because they cause the person distress, impairment in their everyday functioning
and/or deviate from cultural norms or statistical averages (Barlow et al., 2017). However, it is
sometimes normal to be distressed such as during grieving and many psychological disorders
do not cause distress such as manic episodes (Barlow et al., 2017). Some disorders do not
involve impairment and deviations from the norm can also mean giftedness (Barlow et al.,
2017). The DSM-5 explains that behavioural, psychological and/or biological dysfunctions
which are unusual to their context, elicit distress, limit functioning, or increase the likelihood
of death are called psychological disorders (Barlow et al., 2017).
Buhle has been exhibiting some abnormal behaviours which is why she was referred to
therapy. As mentioned, she constantly feels very anxious, has headaches, and cannot focus.
They are upsetting her and limiting her daily life and functioning. She also explains that she
has been heaving trouble sleeping for over six months and that her appetite is non-existent.
Since these behaviours have rendered her unable to run her business or have a strong
relationship with her fiancé, they are abnormal behaviours. Not sleeping and eating
contributes to deteriorated cognition and therefore not living normally every day. Buhle also
experienced trauma as she and her daughter were threatened to be killed by a neighbour who
was attempting to commit suicide. Since then, she has been exhibiting these abnormal
behaviours. She further explains that she feels restless at times, impatient with others and as
if she switches from happiness to intense anger quickly. Buhle also acknowledges that she
was previously enthusiastic and sociable but now feels scared and hopeless about ever feeling
normal again. This, together with the other mentioned behaviours demonstrates that Buhle
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