Jillian Case Application Paper

Jillian is a 27-year-old female who has been referred to counseling by family and friends. She has never been to counseling before and has decided to come in order to keep the affections of her family and friends. Based on the report Jillian has provided during the session, the first diagnosis I would give Jillian is 296.41 Bipolar I Disorder, Moderate. In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, an individual must meet requirements for a manic episode. It is possible to have preceding hypomanic or major depressive episodes after the manic episode; however, they are not required for the diagnosing of Bipolar I Disorder. Through her disclosures during the session, Jillian provided evidence that she experiences manic episodes. According to criterion A, a manic episode must last at least a week and be present most of the day and nearly every day. Jillian

Also, even though the symptoms are causing marked impairment to her everyday life, Jillian is in counseling and stated she wants to gain control of her life. Unfortunately, Bipolar I Disorder is not the only diagnosis I would give Jillian. Again, based on information gathered during the session, I would diagnose Jillian with 301.50 Histrionic Personality Disorder. In order to meet this diagnosis, an individual must display five or more symptoms that are present in a variety of contexts. Jillian entered the counseling session wearing a low-cut dress, high heels, heavy make-up, and an excessive amount of perfume. During the session, she discloses that she prefers to be the center of attention, easily influenced by her boyfriends, falls in love with everyone during her episodes, and would shift rapidly during her expressions of emotions. Also, Jillian was theatrical throughout the session and admitted to wearing lingerie under a coat to her ex-boyfriend’s workplace. The behaviors mentioned meet requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and