Assignment:
Case study, clinical psychology
Simon is a 47 year old man, born in Japan and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 5 years of age. Simon has never been married and has no children of his own. He is currently dating a woman he would like to marry, but she told him he needed to 'get some help for my sarcastic attitude' before she would consider marrying him. Simon tells you, "I don't like people. They bug me. They always have an ulterior motive." He avoids parties and social gatherings as he finds no pleasure in social situations and occasionally experiences severe anxiety when around groups of people. He knows people talk about him but he doesn't care. This bothers his girlfriend and that is his only motivation to seek help. He doesn't believe in therapy, doesn't trust you and believes he can see what you are about to tell him by the look in your eyes.
1. In considering the Cluster A Personality Disorders, formulate a Differential Diagnosis for Simon. What are your diagnostic considerations and why? Support your ideas by discussing what you see in the vignette utilizing all course readings thus far. What information would you need to look for to confirm your diagnostic impression and why?
2. Construct a tentative treatment plan for Simon. In consideration of the discussion by Comer (2007), integrate the etiological theories and recommended treatment modalities. Discuss the role of pharmacological interventions and if you believe it would be helpful for Simon and why.