Name That Disorder
This activity presents case
studies in which individuals
suffer from symptoms of
psychological disorders.
Acknowledgements: This activity was written by
Antoinette R. Miller, Clayton State University
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
Case Study 1
Irene occasionally experiences
unpredictable episodes of intense dread,
accompanied by chest pains and a
sensation of smothering. Her symptoms
have no apparent physical cause.
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
Case Study 1: DIAGNOSIS
Irene suffers from
A. obsessive-compulsive disorder
B. panic disorder
C. agoraphobia
D. posttraumatic stress disorder
E. antisocial personality disorder
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
Case Study 2
Jason is so preoccupied with staying
clean that he showers as many as 10
times each day.
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Case Study 2: DIAGNOSIS
Jason suffers from
A. major depressive disorder
B. paranoid schizophrenia
C. panic disorder
D. bipolar disorder
E. obsessive-compulsive disorder
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
Case Study 3
Although she escaped from war-torn Iraq
two years ago, Lila still has haunting
memories and nightmares. She is also
severely depressed.
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Case Study 3: DIAGNOSIS
Lila suffers from
A. bipolar disorder
B. antisocial personality disorder
C. post-traumatic stress disorder
D. major depressive disorder
E. agoraphobia
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Case Study 4
One day Matt felt optimistic, energetic, and
on top of the world. A few days later he felt
hopeless and lethargic. He thought that
the future looked very grim.
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Case Study 4: DIAGNOSIS
Matt suffers from
A. panic disorder
B. agoraphobia
C. major depressive disorder
D. antisocial personality disorder
E. bipolar disorder
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
Case Study 5
Claiming that she heard a voice commanding
her to warn other people that eating is
harmful, Sandy attempts to convince others
restaurant patrons not to eat. The psychiatrist
to whom she is referred finds that Sandy’s
thinking and speech are often fragmented
and incoherent. In addition, Sandy has an
unreasonable fear that someone is “out to
get her.” Consequently, she trusts no one.
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
Case Study 5: DIAGNOSIS
Sandy suffers from
A. paranoid schizophrenia
B. panic disorder
C. bipolar disorder
D. post-traumatic stress disorder
E. antisocial personality disorder
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Case Study 6
Bob has never been able to keep a job.
He’s been in and out of jail for charges
such as theft, sexual assault, and spousal
abuse.
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Case Study 6: DIAGNOSIS
Bob suffers from
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
post-traumatic stress disorder
major depressive disorder
bipolar disorder
antisocial personality disorder
obsessive-compulsive disorder
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
Case Study 7
Sadie is so fearful of being overwhelmed by
anxiety that she rarely steps outside her
apartment. The thought of going shopping
and getting lost in a crowd terrifies her, so
she has her groceries delivered. Because of
her fear, she earns her living as a freelance
writer and works at home.
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
Case Study 7: DIAGNOSIS
Sadie suffers from
A. obsessive-compulsive disorder
B. agoraphobia
C. bipolar disorder
D. major depressive disorder
E. panic disorder
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
Case Study 8
For the last month Gabrielle has felt
lethargic and has been unable to get out of
bed in the morning. She has withdrawn
from friends and family because she feels
worthless and unlovable.
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
Case Study 8: DIAGNOSIS
Gabrielle suffers from
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
major depressive disorder
antisocial personality disorder
paranoid schizophrenia
post-traumatic stress disorder
bipolar disorder
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
A Concluding Thought
A medical model is when a disease has
physical causes that can be diagnosed,
treated, and, in most cases, cured.
With psychological disorders, the medical
model assumes that these mental
illnesses can be diagnosed on the basis of
their symptoms and cured through therapy,
which may include treatment in a
psychiatric hospital.
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers
Consider This…
How do we define “abnormal behavior”?
Why are personality disorders different
from the other “common” psychological
disorders?
Can you truly make a diagnoses based on
short descriptions such as these?
ActivePsych: Classroom Activities Project / Copyright © 2007 by Worth Publishers