PSY 150
Take Home Final
Diagnosis of Susan
My diagnosis is that Susan is suffering from Bipolar I. Throughout her life she has suffered from major depression that last for months at a time where all she can do is sleep. She also has thought about suicide on many occasions and even attempted suicide by taking a bottle of aspirin and drinking a bottle of wine. She also has had to depend on her family and assistance from the state throughout life to take care of her daughter and herself, due to not being able to keep a job. She has also had a history of manic episodes. With these facts is why I feel that Susan suffers from Bipolar I.
I am using behaviorism to explain my first theory to support my diagnosis. It stated in Susan’s history that she was both mentally and physically abused by both her parents and her brothers. This is a form of Martin Seigmans “learned helplessness”. Throughout all of her abuse she felt she could not do better in her life. This triggered her symptoms of depression. On the other hand the Humanistic group says, everyone has the freedom to choose their own destiny and achieve self-actualization. Susan could not reach her full potential because she could not meet her basic needs like food and shelter, due to her condition. She also wanted acceptance. Which lead Susan to sexual relations at a young age. She was looking for love in all the wrong places. These are examples of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Although these two theories have different takes on the cause of Susan’s disorder, they both have shown why she suffers from Bipolar I. With both the behavioristic and humanistic groups give examples of why she has had manic episodes and major depression throughout her life. Because to the fact that are presented with these theories is why I came to the conclusion that Susan suffers from Bipolar I.