Conrad Jarrett Research Paper

Conrad Jarrett (Ordinary People): Psychosocial Assessment

Joaquin Cordova
New Mexico Highlands University Advanced Standing MSW Program
February 9, 2010
Conrad Jarrett: Psychosocial Assessment

General Data
Conrad Jarrett is a teenager from Lake Forest, Illinois. He is the son of Beth and Calvin Jarrett and younger brother of deceased brother Buck Jarrett. He currently lives with his mother and father.
Reason for referral
Mr. Jarrett was receiving treatment from psychiatrist, Dr. Berger after being released after a four-month stay in a psychiatric hospital. Dr. Berger is having a hard time getting Mr. Jarrett to open up and was referred for further evaluation.
Presenting Problem
According to Mr. Jarrett, he has alienated himself
Physical characteristics and presentation
Mr. Jarrett is a tall in stature with a good physique and facial features. There are visible indications of past attempts of suicide. Scars are located on his wrists where cutting was attempted. He presents himself in a timid and down way; when sitting down Mr. Jarrett posture is slouched down, hands in pockets, usually looking toward the ground and with very little eye contact. With regard to speech, it is low, speaks slowly with little or no animation or facial expression. Mr. Jarrett dresses appropriately for the weather: jeans, work jacket, and shoes. Overall, his appearance is within a normal, acceptable range.

b. Physical health
According to Mr. Jarrett, he is not currently under a physician’s care. He stated due to his past involvement with the swimming team, that he maintains a descent physical health. He has also admitted that he has had a tough time sleeping due to nightmares.
Development History
Mr. Jarrett’s older brother Buck has always been viewed as superior in the areas as an athlete and student. Mr. Jarrett seems to share this view as he become accustomed to this growing up.
Environmental
Jarrett was present when his older brother Buck, drowned during a sailing accident. He has been having a real tough time dealing with this issue as he can’t sleep and is having nightmares about it on nightly bases. Mr. Jarrett also lost a close friend he met while in the psychiatric hospital, Karen, when she committed suicide
Factors of Diversity (racial, cultural, societal and social class, gender, sexual orientation, differential physical or mental abilities)
Mr. Jarrett is an Anglo male in a predominately town and Anglo school. Mr. Jarrett comes from a well off upper class family. Mr. Jarrett is an assumed to be heterosexual as he is dating a female his age and has not disclosed or made open omissions of being homosexual. A Mr. Jarrett condition is often downed played by his mother saying that he is not depressed but just lazy.
Psychosocial Effects of Oppression
Mr. Jarrett was raised in an upper-class family and has felt pressure to live up to the image. Mr. Jarrett feels that the pressure comes mainly from his mother whom has a nicer vehicle than his father. Also he has stated that his mother goes around as if nothing has happened and presents a front that everything is ok, especially in social settings. She is also always adamant of him cleaning his room and also particular of where silver wear is