Over the past decade, cases ofsubstance related disorders have appeared more prevalent insociety. From the mental health perspective, research has shown anincrease in cases of substance related disorders, particularly withadolescents. This increase has prompted further investigation intoadolescent risk and resilience factors, as well as accuracy indiagnosis and appropriate treatment plans. Yet, in cases ofadolescent substance use, further investigation is still neededconcerning notification rights of parents, legal authorities,and/or case workers.  

For this Application, review theclient case study in the Learning Resources. Consider thecharacteristics of the client. Which specific characteristics mightyou consider important in developing a diagnosis? Consider yourrationale for assigning particular diagnoses on the basis of theDSM. Also, think about what other information or people you mayneed to include in the assessment in order to make an accuratediagnosis.

The Assignment (3–4pages)

A DSM diagnosis of the client in the case study

An explanation of your rationale for assigning the diagnosis onthe basis of the DSM

An explanation of what other information you might need aboutthe client to make an accurate diagnosis

A brief description of additional individuals you might includein your assessment and explain why

Substance Related and Addictive Disorders Program Transcript

FEMALE SPEAKER: He's-- he's always doing things on the computer.He talks on the telephone, texting. He never stops, not even toeat. He never eats much anymore.

MALE SPEAKER: Eat your veggies. Drink your milk. Eat yourveggies. Drink your milk. Who needs to eat? Seen any good movieslately? I like horror movies, myself. Zombies, especially. The fastones.

FEMALE SPEAKER: There's no alcohol or drugs in our house, none.We've never done that. We don't leave drink wine. That's why Iwanted our minister to talk to him.

MALE SPEAKER: Talk about zombies.

FEMALE SPEAKER: He's the one who suggested that we come here andtalk to because he was thinking that maybe something's goingon.

MALE SPEAKER: Yuck! I hate booze. I don't do drugs, either. Isay no every day.

FEMALE SPEAKER: Personally, I think it's the music he'slistening to.

MALE SPEAKER: Oh, brother.

FEMALE SPEAKER: I mean, the screaming. It's so aggressive andangry.

MALE SPEAKER: Feels good.

FEMALE SPEAKER: Maybe you agree with your mom that you've beendepressed and angry in the past, do you remember, maybe, why youfelt that way?

MALE SPEAKER: Because I'm stupid.

FEMALE SPEAKER: You're not stupid, honey. See, he had to repeatthe fifth grade, so he's a year behind all his friends atschool.

MALE SPEAKER: They're not my friends. You hate my friends.

FEMALE SPEAKER: I don't hate them. It's just I don't think youshould be hanging around boys who are that much older than you.