Karen Smith, a 45-year-old African American female, presents with symptoms indicative of major depressive disorder, characterized by distress, agitation, low moods, crying spells, and low energy, impacting her work, home, and school life negatively. She is married, with three children, and works full-time while pursuing an undergraduate degree. Karen has a history of being thrust into a caregiving role at a young age following her father’s abandonment and is currently overwhelmed by her responsibilities, mirroring the stress and burdens she faced in her youth. She has been diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure, conditions that could be exacerbated by her stress levels. Karen had never sought psychiatric treatment before and was referred …show more content…
She is married with three children and has been a caregiver from a young age due to family circumstances. Karen is also pursuing an undergraduate degree, adding to her list of responsibilities. She faces significant health challenges, including diabetes and high blood pressure, which may be contributing factors to her current mental state. The primary reason Karen sought help was because of her symptoms of major depressive disorder, which manifest as distress, agitation, low moods, crying spells, and low energy, significantly impairing her ability to function effectively at work, home, and school. Her condition has reached a point where it affects her daily life and responsibilities, prompting her to seek medical advice from her primary care physician, who then referred her for further evaluation. Karen's personal history is marked by early family responsibilities and significant life events that have shaped her current predicament. After her father abandoned the family, Karen, at a young age, had to take on the role of caregiver for her siblings. This role has seemingly extended into her adult life, reflecting in her current overwhelmed state with her responsibilities towards her husband, children, and education. This history of early responsibility and stress may have laid the groundwork for her current mental health …show more content…
It provides a concrete example of how psychological theories and models are applied in diagnosing, understanding, and treating individuals with major depressive disorder. Moreover, it emphasizes the value of an integrated treatment approach, combining medication, psychotherapy, and support systems, in addressing the multifaceted nature of mental health disorders. This case study serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for research, education, and training in the psychological sciences to better understand and treat mental health conditions