Psych 10 Abnormal Psychology Essay

Psych 10 Abnormal Psychology Essay

Vignette:

Frank Johnson, 49 year old African American, college graduate, employed as a healthcare account specialist for University of Colorado Hospital, has taken a medical leave of absence to address multiple relapses after 1 year of abstinence from alcohol and cocaine dependence.

Mr. Johnson had previously completed one twenty-eight day out-patient, and one six month residential program. Problems addressed: Recent dissolution of a 22 year marriage to his high school girlfriend, a computer consultant with a major corporation. Mr. Johnson began to drink heavily two years before the divorce, and started using cocaine (crack) shortly after. Approx. 6 months Demotion from his supervisor position. Fragmented relationship with his three children: Frank Jr. 22 yoa, Janey, 12 and Mavis 9. Diagnosis: Clinical depression. Early stages of cirrhosis of the liver.

Mr. Johnson reports he has been depressed due to the break-up of his marriage and his inability to remain abstinent from substance use. He also states he has been depressed about his unacceptable relationship with his children, his demotion at work, his ex-wife’s unwillingness to reconcile the marriage, and the fragmented relationship with his mother and father. He states that he thinks his family does not love him and will not help him with is substance use. He states he feels his life is over and he does not want to live, yet has not taken any suicidal actions. When asked about why he continues to use substances to cope with his issues, Mr. Johnson becomes agitated and bitter. He stated he would not have such problems if only his wife would trust him, and his parents would leave him alone regarding his relationship with his new family. He thinks his family does not respect him.

Mr. Johnson is the older of two children. He has a sister, 8 years younger than he. He stated she gets all the attention from his parents, and for most of his life he had to care take for...