COUN 5107 Week 8 Diagnostic Application II | Latest Update with complete solutions.
Week 8 Diagnostic Application II
Jayda Konakli
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Capella University
COUN 5107: Priniciples of Psychopathology
Dr. Lisa Giovanielli
June 1, 2025
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Diagnostic Application
This paper aims to examine Julio, Kimi, and Reese by applying different diagnostic
approaches, focusing on biological, psychological, and sociocultural aspects. The analysis
procedures help develop a complete picture of what is happening with each client, identifying
their specific symptoms and reasons. Each client's issues will be studied, explaining how their
behaviors affect daily life. Moreover, appropriate instruments such as the SCL-90-R, Eating
Disorder Symptom Severity Scale, and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale will guide culturally
sensitive assessment strategies. The paper discusses different diagnoses by analyzing possible
disorders based on each client's signs and symptoms. To decide on the correct diagnosis, the
assessment will be based on the DSM-5 and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria, and medication referrals
will be discussed when necessary. Its purpose is to thoroughly understand the clients' conditions
and assist with choosing how to treat them.
Presenting Concerns: Case One: Julio
Julio’s main issue is that he has trouble focusing, which he has dealt with all his life. He
admits he has difficulty concentrating, resulting in many memory lapses and an inability to keep
essential things fresh in his mind. These issues greatly affect his private and professional life, so
he struggles to meet his responsibilities. Julio forgets essential appointments and deadlines
because he can’t recall important dates and details. Because of his inattention and memory
problems, activities during his day are easily disrupted and often result in him losing his job due
to mistakes at work.
Moreover, Julio’s problems with being focused and recalling things have caused him to
keep making careless mistakes, which makes him feel even more distressed. As part of his job,
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he is expected to organize events in the office, but because he struggles with remembering
details, these tasks have failed multiple times. Stacking up the more minor details in his job
considerably slows his career and makes him feel stressed and lost. Julio describing himself as
“spaced out” during meetings implies that his attention and performance at work are greatly
affected by what must be serious concentration issues.
Having all of these symptoms may indicate Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD), which includes trouble paying attention, organizing, and remembering things. Julio has
difficulty concentrating at work, much like someone with ADHD (de la Peña et al., 2020). The
effects of his previous cognitive challenges have grown, and now they impact his ability to
handle his job and his relationships. Not only is Julio’s lack of focus undermining his career, but
it also strains his relationship with Justin, showing that his challenges can have broader
consequences.
Biological Model
Biologically, his symptoms may come from genetic or brain-related issues that influence
how he pays attention and remembers things. According to studies, ADHD, which involves
trouble with attention and memory, is commonly linked to family gene inheritance (Leithead &
Freeborn, 2013). Images from the brain show that those with ADHD may not function normally
in brain regions that are vital for attention and memory. These brain-related issues likely explain
why Julio has trouble focusing and keeping things organized, making it hard for him to deal with
work and personal commitments.
Psychological Model