Give Me Some Psychological Case Studies

In My Humble Opinion
1

I took over another teacher’s college course in Developmental Psychology half way through the quarter. There are only two classes left.

They already have done their final project, but for the last two classes, I want to add a little project.

I am looking for example case studies of (real or fictional) people for my students to evaluate. This is a 101 course, so the project is simply designed for class discussion, based on what they have learned from this class (not meant to be a definitive, professional diagnosis!)

For instance:

1.Joe Smith was married for 38 years and his wife died of breast cancer three months ago. Joe seems to be losing weight rapidly and arriving at work late on a regular basis since then.
What could be his psychological, and physical problem(s)?

(Depression, alcoholism, prone to suicide, immune deficiency, etc.)

  1. John Smith is 15 and has suddenly gone from an outgoing, excellent student who excelled in sports, to a moody, angry and violent and/or apathetic person.
    What could be his psychological, and physical problem(s)?

(Drug abuse, sexual abuse, family problems, etc.)

  1. Mary Jones’s husband has Alzheimer’s and she has been trying to take care of him at home, handle the finances, and keep a part time job.
    What could be her psychological, and physical problem(s)?

(Stress related illnesses, anger issues, depression, feelings of isolation, etc.)

I would prefer to have real-case scenarios - and feel free to add your own opinions (or real-life follow-up) to the cases.

Any other case studies would be greatly appreciated.

2

I’ll add that the symptoms your studies #1 and 2 also could be the consequence of unrelated, non-psychological phenomena, such as physical illness (#1) or a brain tumor (#2).

3

True. Hence the “etc.” when discussing the case scenario - and again - this is for a 101 course, and the purpose it just to get them thinking.

I am trying to impress upon them the idea that, should they hear of such an actual case in their real life, they may be be in a position to help someone out. This is a mandatory class and my students are all majoring in art classes - none of them are going on to study psychology - but it doesn’t hurt for them to be aware of danger signals and maybe do something/help the person in some way.

They are all about 20 years old in this class - and if they can help dad when mom dies, or their brother who is going through a tough time, or maybe understand why grandma is depressed, well - then the class has been a success.

4

Sounds good to me. I just think and/or agree with you that it’s important that sudden-onset “psychological” symptoms be medically evaluated.