Psychology Case Analysis

BRITNEY SPEARS : A CASE STUDY

2008

History /Assessment

The 26-year-old female Britney Spears is a singer /entertainer based in California . She underwent psychiatric evaluation in January of 2008 following an incident with police . The highly publicized stand-off resulted from Spears ' custodial loss of her two small children . Another involuntary commitment by family ensued later that month . The patient was released , amidst much criticism , one week later . Spears presents with a history of volatile behavior . Her public persona has transformed from that of innocent ingynue to sex symbol , as evidenced by

br controversial magazine spreads depicting a young Spears in a sexual manner . In 2004 , the entertainer entered into a marriage which ended after two days . Spears ' second marriage ended in a bitter custody battle . Throughout the course of that marriage , the young woman 's parenting capabilities also fell under public scrutiny . In 2006 , Spears operated a motor vehicle without properly restraining her son in a car seat . Alcohol and drug abuse were also alleged to underpin Spears unsuccessful bid for custody of her children . The mother also placed her children in the midst of her stand-off with police after losing custody . Just days after the incident , however , Spears was filmed laughing and enjoying herself with a media photographer . Spears has continued to exhibit a tumultuous relationship with the media alternately attacking them with umbrellas and cars and inviting them to follow her into the restroom . Spears ' life is perhaps best known for such numerous public spectacles , which also include two highly criticized performances at musical awards ceremonies , a brief experimentation with an unfamiliar religion , and an impulsive and radical hair shaving (Smith 1-12

Spears ' erratic behavior fits with a DSM diagnosis of bipolar dis The illness 's main feature is a cyclical nature of mania and depression Depressive tendencies are evident in the woman 's substance abuse , as well as her publicly documented sometimes-sluggish , frightened mannerisms . Spears also experienced major personal losses with the relinquishment of her children and the death of a close family relative in early 2007 . The manic episodes , characterized by impulsive , often reckless behavior , have been well documented above . Spears would meet a bipolar I diagnosis , since her functioning was impaired enough to warrant being involuntarily placed in a mental hospital

Diagnosis

The patient would undergo a battery of tests in to rule out other physical causes . Blood tests and brain scans would be undertaken as part of a comprehensive physical examination . Once physical origins are eliminated , familiarity with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Diss (the DSM ) becomes crucial , since many other diss (such as bline personality dis and schizophrenia ) present with symptoms similar to bipolar dis

As highlighted , cyclical episodes of mania and depression are the key criteria for a diagnosis of bipolar dis . Feelings of sadness worthlessness , disinterest , guilt , anxiety , and slowed-down physical functions can signal depression . Meanwhile , hyperactivity , rapid speech , grandiosity , exaggerated euphoria , irritability , and aggression point to a manic episode . Impaired cognition and learned helplessness conclude and perpetuate the devastating...