Case Study: Psychological Assessment of Ms. Smith

Reason for Referral

Ms. Smith was referred to Dr. Liam for psychological evaluation due to concerns about the risk of self-harm. It was posted from her behavior outside the local apartment building, where she was seen screaming, pacing, and crying. Additionally, her recent separation from her boyfriend, Frank, left her with feelings of abandonment and worthlessness, which quickly changed. Given her negative behavior, unstable relationships, and history of suicidal thoughts, a psychological evaluation was urgently needed to assess her well-being and risk of self-harm (Livesley, 2012).

Resources available for Ms. Smith’s evaluation included information gathered from her interviews conducted on 03/18/19 and 03/25/19 with local police, Fire and Rescue Captain Logan, and Dr. Liam during the psychological evaluation. Smith also provided background information to help understand his current psychological state, including his family history, upbringing, education and work, drug use, legal issues, and observations made during the evaluation. Additional information may include medical records, references from family members or previous doctors, and other psychological tests to evaluate symptoms and specific illnesses and diagnoses.

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Background Summary

Ms. Smith’s family and social history were filled with depression and instability. Her parents were drug addicts, and he was abandoned by his mother when he was a child and was left in the care of his father after he was released from prison. Ms. Smith grew up in an environment of drug abuse, neglect, and physical abuse, without the care and support he needed to thrive. His mother’s history of multiple relationships and his father’s emotional turmoil caused him to suffer. Moreover, Ms. Smith’s biracial identity may have influenced his thinking and identity formation, especially given the challenges she faces within her family (Livesley, 2012). Lack of a stable parent and emotional stability during the formative years may have caused problems forming and maintaining relationships later in life.

Ms. Smith’s medical and developmental history is characterized by poor early and inadequate care. Although her mother claimed that she did not use drugs during pregnancy, the lack of prenatal care and stressful environment affected Ms. Smith’s development. Her early years were marked by malnutrition, neglect, and poor family functioning, which could have affected her physical, cognitive, and emotional growth (Beckers & Kindt, 2017). Additionally, lack of parental guidance and support during critical developmental periods might have led to behavior problems and depression later in life.

Ms. Smith’s Educational and professional journey was marked by academic success and unstable employment. Although she encountered problems at home, she showed the ability to learn at an early age at school and was supported by teachers who recognized her abilities (Livesley, 2012). However, various situations hindered her education, such as frequent moving and family instability. Throughout her adult life, Mrs. Smith struggled to establish a stable career, changed jobs frequently, and was interested in pursuing a career as a songwriter in the music industry. Her art, music, and writing talents show that he has a creative talent that can combat depression.

Smith’s behavioral analysis reveals the complexity of her psychological presentation. She exhibits a pattern of mood swings ranging from anxiety to suspicion and exhibits undesirable and negative behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption and unstable relationships (Livesley, 2012). Her interactions with others are characterized by politeness, rudeness, and outbursts, indicating difficulty controlling her emotions and feelings. Additionally, anxiety about abandonment and worthlessness reflects problems with attachment and self-esteem. In general, Ms. Smith’s behavioral analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive assessment to understand the underlying causes of unstable mood and poor coping mechanisms.

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Assessment Data

In addition to a comprehensive diagnostic interview, many assessment tools would be useful to assist Ms. Smith developed an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. First, applying psychological methods such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) will help evaluate the severity of Ms. Smith’s Symptoms of depression and anxiety resulting from Smith’s thoughtful experience, fluctuations,


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