Mr. Don Nguyen Case Study

Mr. Don Nguyen Case Study
Objective: 
Part of learning about abnormal psychology is learning to recognize what is abnormal and what is not. This is a challenging case study that will require you to think about what is happening without judgement or bias. 
Goal: 
The goal is to help students apply knowledge and skills to assessing client’s mental health status using different assessment tools and identifying the 4 D’s, symptoms, and criteria to meet a diagnosis. 
Directions:
Please read Mr. Don Nguyen (I changed the story from the first one I posted). Know that this is a fictitious case study and does not reflect any client data. In the submission box, upload your file to be graded.
 Type the question and then answer each question.

What assessment tools would you use to help you figure out what your client’s mental health condition? Name at least 3. 

Explain the 4 D’s (Distress, Danger, Deviance, Dysfunction).

What in your opinion, is a possible diagnosis? (You could have more than one)

How might mental health stigma contribute to him seeking treatment?

Describe any cultural influences that may impact to him receiving treatment. 

Case StudyThe client, Mr. Don Nguyen, is a 47-year-old single Vietnamese male with no children who has lived in America since he was 15 years old. Don has no siblings or family in the USA other than his parents. Don is seeking counseling services for feelings of low energy, fatigue, poor concentration, excessive sadness, isolation, feelings of hopelessness, and loneliness. Mr. Nguyen has a history of losing jobs shortly after he starts. Mr. Nguyen also reported he is worried he can’t get a job. During the initial phone contact, he asked repeatedly about privacy and wanted assurance that information discussed in session is confidential. The client repeated this line of questioning during the first face-to-face session.As the session progressed, he revealed that he experienced the death of his mother one year ago. His mother had suffered from a combination of severe respiratory problems and Alzheimer’s disease. Mr. Nguyen had been caring for her and his father in their family home for the past 6 years prior to her death. During the last two years, she required total care and he was unable to work. He revealed that she had been suffering greatly and, out of compassion for her, he gave her an extra dose of her sleeping and pain pills. Medical personnel never questioned the death as the woman had been quite sick and “It was only a matter of time.”Mr. Nguyen goes on to explain that he is now caring for his father and is in similar circumstances, although there is no Alzheimer’s disease. His father has declined rapidly since the death of his wife and now requires total care. Mr. Nguyen reveals that recently he had a conversation with his father in which his father commented on how peaceful his wife’s death was and how he hopes for a similar passing.Mr. Nguyen states he is feeling quite guilty about his mother but is glad she is not in pain anymore. Simultaneously, he strongly believes he made the right decision. He would like help to work through the issues. For the past 6 months, Don has excessively worried and lies awake at night thinking how his father’s health is rapidly declining.Mr. Nguyen said, “It would be okay if I didn’t wake up except I have my dad to take care of.” Mr. Nguyen is a heavy smoker and sometimes likes to stay out for days at a time gambling at his local casino.