J. Merrill

Psy 410

Classification using the DSM-IV

The Client:

Mark is a 56-year-old machine operator who was referred for treatment by his supervisor. The supervisor noted that Mark’s performance at work had deteriorated during the past four months. Mark was frequently absent from work, had difficulty in getting along with others, and often had the strong smell of liquor on his breath after his lunch break. The supervisor knew that Mark was a heavy drinker and suspected that Mark’s performance was affected by alcohol consumption. In truth, Mark could not stay away from drinking. He consumed alcohol every day; during weekends he averaged about 16 ounces of Scotch per day. Although he had been a heavy drinker for 30 years, his consumption increased after his wife divorced him 6 months ago. She claimed she could no longer tolerate his drinking, extreme jealousy, and unwarranted suspicions concerning her marital fidelity.

Co-workers avoided Mark because he was a cold, unemotional person who distrusted others.

During interviews with the therapist, Mark revealed very little about himself. He blamed others for his drinking problems: if his wife had been faithful or if others were not out to get him, he would drink less. Mark appeared to over-react to any perceived criticisms of himself. A medical examination revealed that Mark was developing cirrhosis of the liver as a result of his chronic and heavy drinking.

The Evaluation:

Axis I

Axis II

Axis III

Axis IV

Axis V