The subject (Marla) is a 42 year old female who is seeking help from the mental health clinic for a variety of symptoms which the subject believes is causing her distress. These symptoms include: trouble sleeping, feeling jumpy all of the time, and an in ability to concentrate. The subject, whose complaint is a decreased performance at work, feels these symptoms to be the cause. It is apparent that a concern for the subject’s employment has prompted her to seek help for these issues. During intake it is agreed that the subject’s symptoms require further analysis to reach a final diagnostic conclusion as these symptoms are apparent in the criteria of a multitude of Axis IV is for psychosocial and environmental problems, and would read, Axis IV: Occupational and social support. Lastly, there is the Global Functioning Scale or GAF score, which would in this case read: Axis V: GAF=60 (current) (PSYweb.com, Retrieved September, 2010). It is the following week and the subject is back for her findings. As all tests have been reviewed and no physical reason has been found that would equate to the subjects symptoms, the treatment team has diagnosed the subject from her symptoms and through her initial intake assessment. What has finally played a major contributor to the subject’s diagnosis were: trouble sleeping, inability to concentrate, and the length to which the subject has been experiencing the symptoms. The subject has described symptoms that correspond with Depression; and there are other family members who are known to be afflicted. With the lack of any known traumatic experience, and after careful consideration, a diagnosis of Dysthymic Disorder is reached. Dysthymic Disorder is a mild, but chronic form of depression, which has lasted for at least two years, and can affect the subject more harshly than depression (Mayo Clinic, Retrieved September 2010). With Dysthymia the depressed mood is continual, and you will see no episodes of mania. The individual with Dysthymic Disorder will have two or more prevalent symptoms which include: decreased energy or fatigue, sleep
