Brian’s Case, Essay Example

Introduction

In the case of Brian the following factors should be considered when reviewing his case under the axis of DSM-IV-TR. These help to determine the psychiatric disorders and potential treatment outcomes. (i) Lack of an adequate support system (ii) Social issues (iii) Educational problems (iv) Problems with work (v) Financial difficulties (vi) Legal problems (vii) Other psychosocial and environmental problems.

Early Diagnosis

Brian is showing early signs of Autism and as such requires a proper psychological clinical evaluation. Autism is classified as a serious mental disorder and is widely attributed to be a genetic disorder. Autism has been classified as a serious neurological disorder. The disease is reported to be increasing in severity in North America with a large number of new cases being reported each year. Those that suffer from autism are also indicated to have a disorder that includes mild to more severe aspects of retardation. Some children manage to have a reasonable degree of functionality whilst in the more advanced cases they can virtually exist in their own world. If these treatments are not diagnosed early and are left untreated they can become almost impossible to reverse. Treatment options vary from that of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) to more advanced treatments of Intense Behavioural Intervention (IBI). Both treatments have received some degree of controversy because of the expense of treatment involved (Siegel, B. 1996)

It is important to seek professional help at an early stage. Natural remedies will not help Brian if the diagnosis is that of autism. Early intervention is the key to a successful outcome and this may require a combination of drugs and behavioural adjustment training.

Works Cited

Siegel, B. (1996). The World of the Autistic Child: Understanding and Treating Autistic spectrum disorders. Oxford: Oxford University Press.