DSM-IV Evaluation 1

DSM-IV Evaluation Heather Torres PSY/270 11/13/2011 Kayce Hodos

DSM-IV Evaluation DSM-IV Evaluation Case Study One: Schizoid personality disorder A person with schizoid personality disorder has a difficult time forming an impartial interpretation with social interaction and has difficulty reading the emotions of other in the cognitive models. These issues cause the schizoids conduct to show their incapacity to react properly to various circumstances other than that of people (Comer, 2005).

In behavioral models, treatment had inadequate success for schizoid personality disorder. Two techniques thats has proven successful are role playing and exposure, these help the patient with the use of social skills (Comer, 2005). Case Study Two: Narcissistic personality disorder Narcissistic personality disorder is classified as a child being subjected to parents that tend to discard their children, death of a parent, and parents that separate or divorce. This is when children will start to become emotionally unattached and put up walls and barriers. The child will than build up their own image that he or she is self-sufficient and has no need for any type of relationship. By distinction, behavioral and cognitive models show that this personality disorder is triggered by over affectionate parents. In this model, children are trained to consider that their aptitude, abilities and expertise are so distinctive and magnificent that they feel they are better than everyone else (Comer, 2005). Treatment in cognitive therapy models includes changing the personality from self-envy to becoming more kindhearted for others (Comer, 2005). Case Study Three: (Hysterical Somatoform) Conversion disorder Conversion disorder is often misconstrued. Two methods of helping with personal struggle and capabilities are described in psychodynamic models. These methods are primary and secondary gain. In primary gain a person has substituted their feelings of struggle by

DSM-IV Evaluation

harming themselves physically. In secondary gain a person avoids certain things that cause fear to seek compassion from others (Comer, 2005). In psychodynamic models, this disorder is seen by way of perception. The clinician helps the person in coming to terms with their struggles so they will no longer need to display the physical signs of their anxiety (Comer, 2005). Case Study Four: Dissociative amnesia disorder The psychodynamic model of this disorder is a development of memory suppression. According to this theory a person suppresses a traumatic experience that helps them to avoid anxiety and suffering. They block these from their memory not knowing that they are doing it. Behavioral models see this disorder as a way of relieving anxiety and suffering. The behaviorist looks at memory suppression as a gratifying experience (Comer, 2005). Psychodynamic therapies are best suited for this disorder. The treatment includes

retrieving the suppressed memory and helping the person cope with it (Comer, 2005). Case Study Five: Schizophrenia The first biological model of schizophrenia is genetic. biochemical abnormalities from their parents. A person inherits the

A person with schizophrenia have

neurotransmitters that are low in dopamine and serotonin, this is what sends signals to the brain. The second biological model of this disorder is abnormal brain structure. Parts of the brain are either impaired or underdeveloped and the ventricles are overdeveloped. In some people small lobes are also an issue, as well as other defects in the brain, like blood flow patterns and gray matter. People are conducting research on viral infections in babies, fetal studies, schizophrenia, and being exposed to the flu while pregnant (Comer, 2005). Antipsychotic

medications are being used for the treatment of schizophrenia. These medications are proving to be valuable in the treatment process (Comer, 2005)

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DSM-IV Evaluation References Comer, R. J. (2005). Fundamentals of abnormal psychology (4). New York: Worth.