Write
a Psychology Case Study
At
some point in your study of psychology, you may be required to write a case
study. A case study is an in-depth analysis of a single person. Case studies
are often used in clinical cases or in situations when lab research is not
possible or practical. In undergraduate courses, these case studies are often
based on a real individual, an imagined individual, or a character from a
television show, film, or book.
Use
the following format to write your own fictional psychotherapy case studie.
I.
Case History
1.
Background Information
The
first section of your paper will present your clientÕs background. Include
factors such as age, gender, work, health status, family mental health history,
family and social relationships, drug and alcohol history, life difficulties,
goals, and coping skills and weaknesses.
2.
Description of the Presenting Problem
In
the next section of your case study, you will describe the problem or symptoms
that the client presented with. Describe any physical, emotional, or sensory
symptoms reported by the client. Thoughts, feelings, and perceptions related to
the symptoms should also be noted. Any screening or diagnostic assessments that
are used should also be described in detail and all scores reported.
3.
Your Diagnosis
Provide
your diagnosis. Explain how you reached your diagnosis, how the clients
symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria for the disorder(s), or any possible
difficulties in reaching a diagnosis.
II.
Intervention
The
second section of your paper will focus on the intervention used to help the
client. Choose one of the
following:
1.
Psychoanalytic Approach
Describe
how a psychoanalytic therapist would view the clientÕs problem. Explain how
psychoanalytic therapy would be used to treat the client, how the client would
respond to therapy, and the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
2.
Cognitive-Behavioral Approach
Explain
how a cognitive-behavioral therapist would approach treatment. Offer background
information on this therapeutic approach and describe the treatment sessions,
client response, and outcome of this type of treatment. Make note of any
difficulties or successes encountered by your client during treatment.
3.
Humanistic Approach
Describe
a humanistic approach that could be used to treat your client. Provide
information on the type of treatment you chose, the clientÕs reaction to the
treatment, and the end result of this approach. Explain why the treatment was
successful or unsuccessful.
Tips:
-
Do not refer to the subject of your case study as Ōthe client.Ķ Instead, use
his or her name.
-
Read examples of case studies to gain and idea about the style and format.