It is common for two professionals to come up with a different diagnosis after being presented with the same information.

Directions: You have had some practice solving case studies within this course. However, for your final case study, I will provide you with the results from a student for the following case study. You will be the instructor and after reading through the random response, you will grade the response using the following information as a framework for you to work with:

Do you agree with the diagnosis that they come up with? Why or why not? Do you agree with the symptoms that they found to support that diagnosis? Why or why not? Did the student remember to list all of the specific psychosocial and environmental stressors? If not, what should be listed as a concern. Finally, do you agree with the treatment plan that the student provided for this patient? Why or why not?

Here is the case study that your student read through:
Braxton is a 42-year old married male, living in rural Nebraska. He lives with his husband of five years in a two-bedroom condominium. They do not have any children, but love their two pugs immensely.

Braxton reports that his life “isn’t worth living lately.” However, he denies suicidal and homicidal ideation. He works as a financial analyst and is experiencing additional stress at his job. While completing his current occupational duties, he is also “filling in” for a co-worker that is on maternity leave for the next eight weeks. In addition, his husband is currently traveling every week to California to help establish a business with financial investors. Money is reported to be an issue due to the constant traveling of his husband.

Health issues noted: psoriasis and seasonal allergies. He reports that he is taking Humira to treat his psoriasis and that it creates “issues” with his immune system.

When asked about what his husband would tell the professional what brings him to choose to seek services, Braxton responded with, “He thinks I am too stressed. One of our pugs is only 8-weeks old… a puppy and all of the responsibilities that go with that..last week one of our former pugs died suddenly. I really miss her!”

Braxton’s husband did not attend his intake evaluation due to a delayed return flight in Denver, CO.

Here is the response from your student:

Diagnosis: Depression

Symptoms that lead you to your diagnosis: Feels his life isn’t worth living, Husband is

often gone leaving him alone, Stressed with work, And dog just passed away

Psychosocial or environmental issues: Occupational problems, Problems with primary

support group

Treatment Recommendations: cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy

and antidepressant medications I believe is the best route for this patient to go.

Any further comments: I believe him and his husband would benefit from more time

together.

Directions:

Based on the information within the case study about Braxton:

Do you agree with the diagnosis that they come up with? Why or why not? If you do not agree with the diagnosis, tell your student what you think it should be?

Do you agree with the symptoms that they found to support that diagnosis? Why or why not?

Did the student remember to list all of the specific psychosocial and environmental stressors? If not, what should be listed as a concern.

Finally, do you agree with the treatment plan that the student provided for this patient? Why or why not? If you do not, how would you change the treatment plan for Braxton?