Case Study 4: Joanne, age 32, is involved with the first man that really counts in her life. As the couple has become more intimate, Joanne has started to have flashbacks about an uncle who touched her sexually when she was only eight years old. She is distressed to find out that she is shutting down feelings about her boyfriend and distancing herself from him. Although she has been sexual with other men, she says she can’t stand to let herself be sexual with someone she loves and trusts. She startles easily and reports a general increase in anxiety. She is very angry that she has to deal with the feelings about the incidents with her uncle that happened so long ago. She says that she thought she had gotten beyond all that.
Diagnosis
Joanne is suffering from Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). She is numbed and detached from her boyfriend due to the past traumatic event. She is also "re-experiencing the trauma" with flashbacks she has not thought about for some time. She is afraid of sexual activity because her ASD causes her to avoid stimuli associated with the event. She has also experienced intense anxiety and irritability.
http://allpsych.com/disorders/anxiety/acutestress.html
Treatment
It is recommended that Joanne seek psychotherapy and give the disorder time. In general ASD resolves itself with time, but may, if totally untreated, develop into a more serious disorder like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
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12 comments:
I disagree with your diagnosis. I believe it has more to do with sexual anxiety because the problem occurs during intimate activities.
I think your diagnosis is correct. The fact that she is depersonalized with the person she loves is a really big factor.
100.
Good job. I like how you broke everything down. ASD is an interesting disorder.
I agree with the diagnosis, however, you could more about the therapy like which therapy would work the best or be the most effective.
Good job on your diagnosis! It was very clear why you suggested that she had Acute Stress Disorder.
I agree with your diagnosis. your explanation was well put in your blog. Also explain some other methods in your treatment column.Overall it was good.
I also agree with your diagnosis, but I believe in this case medication may be justified if her life is being effected in a way that immediately effects her well being. Also, the possibility of the developement of more harmful disorders would worry me as a doctor (hypothetically).
yup i think it's acute stress disorder too. you gave clear information w/your diagnosis. one thing you might want to add more on is probably some more treatments that could help her overcome her disorder.
Hmmm I agree with your diagnosis. Good job listing out the reasoning behind your conclusion. I imagine acute Stress Disorder would be difficult to deal with.
your diagnosis is right. i dont think she can live to her fullest if she keeps getting anxious. hope she gets treatment.
I like how you explained why you thought it was ASD. I agree with your diagnosis.
I agree with your diagnosis, but it would have been interesting to see other treatment options.
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