To complete each assignment, you will need to read the casestudy. Assume that the client described in each case study meetscriteria for a DSM-5 disorder. You will then consult the DSM-5criteria and write 1-2 detailed paragraphs in which you assign aprimary diagnosis for the client and justify that diagnosis. Inthis section you should reference EACH of the DSM-5 criteria forthe diagnosis you are assigning and provide evidence from the casestudy for or against the presence of that criterion. If you have noinformation for a particular criterion you should specify this. Forexample, if the DSM-5 criteria specify that the symptoms cannot beaccounted for by a medical condition and you have no evidence thatthe client has a medical condition that would explain theirsymptoms, you should state this. Next, write a paragraph in whichyou provide an example of at least one related diagnosis that youare ruling out based on the information you have. This is a processcalled “differential diagnosis.” As you know, the categoriesprovided in the DSM-5 do not represent “true” categories in nature,and often clients will often have symptoms in multiple categories.As a clinician, you need to rule out other categories orexplanations for the symptoms. For example, if someone isexperiencing panic attacks in the wake of a traumatic event, youmight consider the diagnoses of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,Acute Stress Disorder, or Panic Disorder. The DSM-5 criteria willhelp you figure out which is the most appropriate diagnosis, andyou should specify why you are ruling out another disorder,providing specific justification for ruling it out. The bestdisorders to rule out are those that share features or symptomsdescribed in the case but are not the best diagnosis for theclient. Finally, you will write one paragraph in which you mayspecify the use of a psychosocial treatment, a psychoactivemedication, or both. You must briefly describe how this treatmentworks and you must justify your choice of treatment based on theresearch evidence for the efficacy of the treatment.

Case #3

John is a 67-year old, widowed, Asian American, retired U.S. AirForce Lieutenant Colonel. He was referred by his primary carephysician due to John’s intense concern about his own health. Johnis terrified of developing cancer. He has had several relatives(including both his father and wife) die of cancer over the pastten years, and for the past 3-4 years he has become “obsessed” withhis own health. He states that since he retired 4 years ago, he hasspent most of his time on behaviors related to maintaining hishealth. He exercises daily because he is aware that there is a linkbetween sedentary behavior and cancer risk. His daughter reportsthat he becomes so anxious if he does not get his daily exercisethat he has declined to participate in family events, vacations,and other recreational activities if they interfere with his rigidexercise schedule. He has also adopted a vegan diet due to concernsabout cancer and consumption of meat and dairy, and he spends asignificant amount of time procuring and preparing his food; hewill not eat any food that he has not prepared himself for fearthat it may contain any ingredients that may lead to“inflammation.” He keeps a daily diary of his weight and level offatigue, and if he has more than a day or two of feeling “run down”he becomes convinced that his symptoms are related to cancer. Johnreads a great deal of health related material on the internet, andis unconvinced by his doctor’s assurances that he has a clean billof health. His daughter reports that John seems to be unaware thathis concern is excessive or the extent to which his concerns areinterfering with his relationships and quality of life.