Key Points for Writing an Effective Case Study

Your assignment for this course provides you with a general overview of the details you must address in your case study.

Once you grasp the information you need to cover in your case study, conduct research to understand the problem, prepare a brief outline, using the key element categories listed below, to help you organize your content, and then write the case study. It is important to include accurate and current research to support your analysis of the case, and to provide sufficient knowledge to your reader(s) to help them fully experience your case study.

Key Elements of a Case Study

1. Introduction

Begin your case study by introducing the client. Be sure you provide a pseudonym for this individual and any other individuals you include in your narrative, whether the situation involves a real or fictional individual. The description of the client should include information such as age, sex, occupation, relationships with family and friends, mental health history, substance abuse issues (if any), additional life challenges, and a summary of the individual’s coping skills.

2. Detailed description of the issue or problem:

Explain the problem. ?
Explain who is affected by the problem. ?
Explain when the problem may have begun. ?
Explain why the problem may have begun.

3. Diagnosis

What diagnosis has been provided for the client? Note the DSM 5 diagnosis in your narrative. Share the possible symptoms that the client may have or display. You may want to include additional research, statistics, etc. that further explain the known details concerning this diagnosis.

4. Intervention

In this section, present possible interventions that can be used to assist the client. For example, the intervention may be a theoretical approach or a mix of possible intervention strategies. As part of your analysis, be sure to address any cultural and ethical concerns that must be considered. You must also discuss possible barriers and other concerns, either real or anticipated, which could affect the intervention or treatment as well as the client’s response to treatment.

Assignment

Develop a case study of a client with a dual diagnosis based on Bipolar Disorder and Cocaine. The client’s psychiatric disorder is primary and her substance use disorder is secondary.

Include the following elements in your case study:

1. A description of how a client presents as he or she enters treatment.
2. The obvious symptoms such as the client’s appearance, speech, and orientation.
3. Decide on your client’s drug of choice (cocaine) and show that she meets the criteria for substance dependence.
4. Choose a psychiatric disorder- Bipolar Disorder
5. Consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition and provide at least two diagnoses (be sure to properly cite the DSM Manual).
6. Explain any relationship between the two disorders and how they may influence each other.
7. Describe your initial plan for treating both disorders.
-Support your assignment with at least five references from peer-reviewed journal articles published in the last 5 years.