Case Studies in Abnormal Psychology

Case Studies in Abnormal Psychology presents actual clinical cases, providing developmental histories essential to appropriate diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. This text presents 23 distinct case studies, applying abstract theoretical research to real-world situations. Each study describes the clinical problem, demonstrates the formulation and implementation of a treatment plan, and discusses evidence of potential causes and prevalence. This comprehensive examination includes cases ranging from psychotic and personality disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to those concerning child development and aging such as attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Coverage of sometimes controversial subjects including dissociative identity disorder, gender dysphoria, autism spectrum disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder ensures contemporary relevance.

Suitable for undergraduate and graduate study of abnormal psychology, this book presents an honest and unbiased view of the limitations and benefits of various treatment plans. Discussions of alternative methods including medication, electroconvulsive therapy, and psychosurgery, augment primary cognitive-behavioral approaches, allowing students a solid foundational knowledge of the subject. 

Preface v

1 Autism Spectrum Disorder 1

2 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 11

3 Schizophrenia with Paranoid Delusions 20

4 Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder, Opioid Use Disorder, and Violence 30

5 Bipolar Disorder 39

6 Major Depressive Disorder 48

7 Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 57

8 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 69

9 Hoarding Disorder 80

10 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Rape Trauma 89

11 Dissociative Identity Disorder 100

12 Somatic Symptom Disorder 113

13 Eating Disorder: Anorexia Nervosa 123

14 Eating Disorder: Bulimia Nervosa 132

15 Parasomnia: Nightmare Disorder and Isolated Sleep Paralysis 145

16 Sexual Dysfunction: Female Orgasmic Disorder and Premature Ejaculation 155

17 Gender Dysphoria 166

18 Oppositional Defiant Disorder 179

19 Alcohol Use Disorder 189

20 Paranoid Personality Disorder 198

21 Borderline Personality Disorder 210

22 Paraphilic Disorders: Exhibitionistic and Frotteuristic Disorders 220

23 Antisocial Personality Disorder: Psychopathy 230

References 239

Index 273