Introductory Case Analysis Paper
Having
reviewed Jim’s case, he can be seen by the society to be abnormal. Some of the
things that would make them to make this assumption are the mode through which
Jim behaves when he engages in conversation with some of his friends…he misses
some important social cues. It is important to indicate that Jim has minimal
contact with other people something that greatly contributes to his inability
to communicate efficiently. Considering the primary elements of social
behavior, Jim’s behavior can be looked at as social discomfort. The discomfort
is a term that is used to refer to a person that violates a particular social
rule, and the people around this person may experience some aspects of
uneasiness (Butcher, Mineka & Hooley, 2010). People around Jim feel uncomfortable
because when they give cues that it is time to end up a conversation, he
continues to speak.
It
is also important to indicate that he expresses his opinions in a more honest
way. This is not the usual way people express their opinions, as far they are
honest, they it in a more tactful way. Being a technical writer as a
professional, he is entitled to give honest opinions regarding his job, but
this is not the same case when it comes to his daily interaction with people. The
sic elements listed in chapter one of the book include maladaptiveness,
suffering, social discomfort, unpredictability, irrationality, violation and
deviancy. From the six that have been listed, only one can be incorporated in
the DSM-IV under mental disorders, which is unpredictability, and irrationality
which is known as bipolar or schizophrenia. Both or the mental disorders are in
the DSM-IV in different categories.
The
main reason as to why I say this is because schizophrenia is categorized under
psychotic disorder, contrary to bipolar which is placed under the category of
mood disorders. In regard to the six elements that have been indicated in the
book, it can be wrong to indicate that Jim could possess a mental disorder.
However we can be able to make a conclusion that indeed he has a personality
disorder which is found in the DSM-IV book of definitions. Despite the fact
that the community has a perception that the behavior as portrayed by Jim being
abnormal, he does not see any problem with the way he behaves. This is the same
case with other people who are diagnosed with the same personality disorder.
They do not see anything strange with the way they present themselves to the
society despite the society feeling exactly the opposite. They tend to behave
to behave in that same manner until the moment when the same is brought to
their attention.
Schizoid
personality as defined in the DSM-IV book of definitions indicates that a
schizoid person is one who avoids social interactions and close relationships.
This kind of a person prefers solitude, avoids any sexual contact, lacks
pleasure, lacks any close relationships, and is indifferent to critics or
praise and emotional detachment (DSM-TR, 2000). The personality theory that can
be used to best describe the personality of Jim or his behavior is the
Bandura’s social-cognitive theory. Social cognitive theory is a learning theory
that indicates that people learn by observing the way in which other people
behave. The theory is essential in understanding as well as predicting the changing
behavior in human being. With the use of this theory, it is possible for one to
understand the change in Jim’s behavior, through observing the behavioral
patterns in his environment.
One
of the major advantages of having a classification system like DSM-IV is the
ability to convey large information within the system. The system gives the
clinician a good opportunity to what is going on with the patient. Trull (2005)
refers to these systems as "verbal shorthand for representing features of
a particular mental disorder" (pp 126). It can be very difficult to look
at bipolar disorders with the psychotic features to every individual
psychologist or physicians. It can also be difficult to convey the same
messages to psychologists in different fields using different types of
technology. These systems make it possible for the psychologists to use the
same terminology.
Another
advantage of using these systems is during research. This is because the
systems make it easier in researching particular background of specific
disorders, as well as provide an assessment platform for individuals. Without
these systems in place, psychologists can have difficulties in determining what
to look for exactly in individual patients. In most cases researchers use diagnostic
groups, (based on DSM-IV) to "define experimental groups" (Trull,
2005, pp 126). This gives an opportunity for a researcher to make conclusions
in regard to the different research groups. Without such a tool, it can be
difficult for psychologists to make any conclusions and draw comparisons
between variations in psychopathology, investigate co-morbidity, and illness.
On
the other hand, there are also a number of disadvantages that are associated
with these systems. One of the disadvantages is the use of all or nothing when
making diagnosis in consideration of the individuals’ problems. Some of the
confusing questions include when to call someone schizophrenic, or how many
symptoms as listed in the DSM-IV must be illustrated for the conclusion to be
made. It is important for a medical practitioner that some symptoms as
displayed by different patients might vary. It is also important for the
physicians to know that in the absence of one or two symptoms could still
qualify someone to have the disorder.
Another
disadvantage is the way in which a patient is diagnosed. It is important to
indicate that several systems could be used in the diagnosis of an individual.
The important aspect is that two or more separate psychologists using the same
system could end up with the same results. This can be referred to as
reliability and it is then important for medical practitioners to make sure
that the systems are ones that can be able to provide accurate results so that
they end up not misleading the client or themselves.
References
Trull, T. (2005).
Clinical Psychology, 7th Edition. Belmont, CA. Thomson
Wadsworth.
James
N., Susan, M., and Jill, M., (2010).Abnormal Psychology, Fourteenth
Edition, Published by Allyn & Bacon: Pearson Education, Incprice/$19.00
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