Question

Juan, a17-year-old Hispanic youth, was referred to the school psychologist at the end of the first school term because of apparent academic and emotional concerns. His grades were slipping, and it looked like he might not get any credits his first term. The counselor has also explained that Juan was the driver in a fatal car wreck at the end of the previous academic year, in which his bestfriend was killed. Although Juan was hospitalized, the counselo rsaid that he insisted on going to the funeral, even though he could barely move, having suffered several broken ribs. When the psychologist met with Juan, he was initially reluctant to discuss the accident but as rapport was established, he admitted to feeling helpless, feeling fatigued because of lack of sleep, and having problems concentrating on his schoolwork. He wanted to quit school, because he did not want to be in the same class with students who blamed him for his friend’s death, and furthermore he did not see why he should plan for a future. He admitted to having vivid dreams of his friend, seeing him as if he were alive. Often he would wakeup, startled.He had no recollection of how the accident happened, as he could not remember the details, even though a witness had said that another car was involved. Although he has a girlfriend, Juan rarely feels like doing anything, and in the past few month she has preferred to be alone. Although he was very close to his deceased friend’s family(theywereinseparable), he has not seen them since the funeral. In this case, Juan is faced with the aftermath of a traumatic experience in which he was seriously injured and his friend was killed. He feels helpless because of the accidental nature of the wreck. Undoubtedly, Juan has significant survivor guilt. Faced with traumatic events of this nature, individuals react with fear, horror, or helplessness. In younger children, these feelings are often expressed in disorganized anda gitated behaviors.

IN 250 words:

Examine the diagnostic criteria and two areas on the diagnostic continuum. Identify three prominent symptoms related to comorbid or co-occurring disorders that may be present in Juan’s situation.

Answer 1

Looking at the incidents ,juan is filled with sense of guilt and he has been in a depressive mood and state of shock after his friends death.He is suffering from post traumatic stress disorderwhich they normally face after a traumatic experience.He had a problem of concentration and loss of interest in life though he had a girl friend.His grades were slipping due inability to accept what had happened to his friend and him being the root cause of the accident.In five stages of grief there are the Denial where he is not still able to accept the loss of his friend,Anger where in he blames himsef to the reason for his friends death,Bargaining is when there are normal feelings of helplessness,Depression is sense of feeling low and mourning of the lost and loved ones,acceptance is when they finally accept the loss and come to terms with itin this situation juan has not yet come to terms to the acceptance stagethis can be done only by therpay and may be treated with medication in some if required.The disorders that juan is facing in anxiety disorder,post traumatic stress disorder,mood dosorders.