Diagnostic Case Study Essay

DIAGNOSTIC CASE STUDY:
Diagnoses considered:
• ADHD – had been previously diagnosed
• Bipolar Disorder
• Bipolar II Disorder
• Intermittent Explosive Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective disorder

Consideration of the above referenced diagnoses were based upon the following characteristics:
• Endearing behaviors at times.
• Exceptionally bright (per his teachers)
• Excessive length of outbursts- longer than 30 minutes
• Over activity and impulsivity
• Lack of attention for dangerous situations and actions.
• Perception that nothing can hurt him (grandiose perceptions)
• Classmates avoid him (find him overwhelming)
• Uncontrolled mood swings
• Previous diagnosis of ADHD (medicated)
• Behaviors/
• Difficulty sleeping and doesn’t require much sleep
• Gross and gory nightmares
• Imaginary figures appearing to him multiple times daily instructing him to do “bad things”.
• Mother suffers from depression.
• Father’s aunt had bipolar disorder and committed suicide by 30
• Not welcome in the homes of neighborhood children.
• Claimed to have MANY friends, but mom stated he had none
• Ambivalent response to medication effectiveness by parents

Diagnosis selected:
• Bipolar II Disorder (Recurrent Major Depressive Episodes with Hypo manic Episodes)
• Retain diagnosis for ADHD

Axis I:
314.01 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
296.89 Bipolar II Disorder

Code number Axis I Diagnosis Selected

Justification for the Diagnosis:

Daniel met the following criteria for Bipolar II Disorder:
• Presence of one or more major depressive episodes.
1. Depressed mood in children and adolescents can be irritable mood.
2. Insomnia or hyper insomnia nearly every