Holden Caulfield is a 17 year old boy from New York who came to me seeking help. He shared with me his many experiences and stories that I believe to be the source of his problems. From what I have heard Holden does not suffer from a mental illness, he is suffering more from a harsh transition from childhood to adulthood. Holden seems to be “falling” into adulthood rather than transitioning. Without further treatment is when Holden might develop a more serious illness. However If I am forced to diagnosis him with an mental illness now, I would have to say that his symptoms resemble those Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) or Major Depression Disorder(MDD). Patients suffering from PTSD have trouble sleeping and may feel on edge after experiencing trauma. Holden has been showing a combination of both disorders with PTSD showing more dominant. Holden can vividly describe his past traumatic experiences and talks often of death. Holden seems detached and antisocial because he is …show more content…
He is at the point where he needs to decide who he is and what his calling in life is. Holden’s traumatic experiences and depression are holding him back and without proper care, he could be lost forever in a constant cycle of hate and confusion. I recommend that Holden repairs the relationship he has with his parents. If they were closer, Holden wouldn't feel so distant and unloved. Instead of just shipping Holden away to a boarding school, they should try to talk to him about how he feels and what they could do for him. Holden will also need to learn how to cope with his feelings effectively and that not everybody is out to get him. Life isn’t always easy but you can’t just give up. Prescription medication is not necessary unless his symptoms worsen. Holden should stop treatment when he acknowledges his priorities and learns what life is really about in a world full of obstacles that everyone faces, in a correct