Case Vignettes
You meet up with Meg at a coffee shop. You see that she has a cast around her right leg, and she says she slipped and fell down the stairs. You can tell she can hardly walk and uses crutches. She also shares that she had thoughts of ending her life and how hard it is to take care of her kids after the accident. However, as soon as you left, you see her taking on her cast and walking normally. This is the first time you have witnessed this.
What is factitious disorder? (P 368, PDF of DSM 538)
Kevin is seven years old. His mother shares that he has deliberately and purposefully set fire on more than one occasion. When you ask Kevin why he sets things on fire, he says he enjoys playing with fire and loves watching things burn, especially paper with fire. His mom came in and saw he was lighting the living room carpet on fire. He often sets fire to things when he is not allowed to play on his iPad.
What is pyromania (F 63.1; p 538, PDF of DSM p 747)
Sandra is a 6-year-old girl. Her parents brought her in for therapy, and they describe that their child has a lot of tantrums and they are at their last straw. As the session went on, the parents shared that they recently experienced a car accident. Mom says that Sandra is afraid to get into the car and often wakes up in the middle of the night crying about her nightmare. Additionally, she expresses that she doesn't want to go to school or see her friends. Her parents try their best to talk to her about her emotions, but Sandra refuses. She's been aggressive with her grandparents and has problems concentrating on any activities (eg reading).
What is PTSD for children under 6 years old? (p 304 in DSM VTR , p 458 PDF)
Van and Dom recently moved in with each other a few months ago. They have been living with their parents for a long time, and recently moved in together after graduation. They had trouble adjusting to practicum and paying for rent for the first time. It has been stressful for them and they are trying their very best to manage.
What is adjustment disorder? (p 319 in DSM VTR, p 477 of PDF)
Sandy (they/them) and their parents come in to discuss their concerns about their eating habits. They have multiple episodes of eating and their parents say Sandy would eat every hour in large amounts, and all leftover food was gone. Sandy says that it's hard for them to stop eating, and they consume large amounts than one would normally eat. Sandy often goes to the bathroom after eating, and their parents recently found laxatives. Sandy doesn't crave anything normally, but they say they feel bad and extremely uncomfortable after eating.
The family recently moved to the Bay Area and Sandy has a hard time making friends. They hate the school they go to, and they often compare themselves to other students, especially the ones on the cheerleading team.
What is bulimia nervosa ? (p 388, PDF 564)