Use the character “Lieutenant Dan” from the movie Forrest Gump to serve as the basis for a comprehensive case study. Students will use what they know of this character to construct: 1. Presenting problem 2. Biopsychosocial history 3. Mental status report 4. DSM-5 diagnosis/diagnoses 5. Treatment goals and objectives 6. Evidence-based treatment plan and justification 7. Differential diagnosis — This section is an opportunity for you to offer challenges to the diagnosis you proposed in “4′ above. I am interested in any alternative explanations of the client’s symptoms, especially those that do not fit in the medical model/DSM philosophy. The following are questions may get you started and guide you in this section.
a. What is your client’s assessment of the presenting concerns? Does he believe he has a “mental disorder?’ b. In what ways does your client differ from the DSM criteria? For example, what are some behaviors that contradict the diagnosis you selected? c. How might the clients gender/cultural background/sexual orientation affect his diagnosis and treatment plan? d. What historical-social-political-cultural-familial-religious issues do you need to consider before applying this diagnosis and developing the treatment plan? Are there any altemative explanations for the client’s behavior, taking into account these contextual factors?
