Discuss differential diagnoses and co-morbid conditions that exist with your primary diagnosis by answering

Exercise: Case Study of Randall
You are a clinical psychologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems among children.  A colleague has sent you information regarding Randall Ellis (see below) in hopes that you will provide a second opinion as to the correct diagnosis for Randall.  Read the case study, make a diagnosis, and then answer the following questions in a report to be written to his family.    Be careful to fully explain concepts such that someone outside of the area of abnormal child psychology would understand. (DO NOT assume that you are writing this paper to me.)

1. What is the primary diagnosis for Randall (be sure to specify the major diagnosis and type if necessary)? Using the criteria in the DSM-IV-TR specifically describe why Randall’s symptoms fit this particular diagnosis. Give specific examples of the symptoms he manifests. Do not just list the symptoms of the disorder according to the DSM. Instead tell the reader (the parent) how Randall’s characteristics specifically fit the criteria listed in the DSM.  It may help to use direct quotes from the case study.  You must get the diagnosis EXACTLY correct. There is enough information given so that you can make the exact diagnosis. (3 points will be deducted for the wrong diagnosis, if the given diagnosis is close.  5 points will be deducted for an entirely incorrect diagnosis. The remainder of the paper will be based on the diagnosis you gave, and not the correct diagnosis such that you can still make a B even though you gave an incorrect diagnosis.)  In order to help you arrive at the correct diagnosis, try doing this. First list all of the possible diagnosis that you think Randall has, then rule out each diagnosis until you are left with only one. Once you reach this one diagnosis, confirm it with specific examples from the case study. (10 points)

 

2. With most diagnoses there are differential diagnoses and co-morbid conditions that you need to consider. Discuss differential diagnoses and co-morbid conditions that exist with your primary diagnosis by answering Parts 1, 2, and 3.
3. Part 1: For your primary diagnosis that you gave in question #1, list the common differential diagnoses and co-morbid conditions.