Case Study: Mood and irritable

Consider Wyatt’s case with these changes:

Wyatt’s presenting symptoms and case details are the same, including his chronic negative mood and temper outbursts. In this case however, Wyatt’s patterns of temper outbursts and anger are not as frequent or severe. Wyatt is argumentative and defiant and has been displaying this behavior for eight months at home and in school. He is constantly arguing with adults, often loses his temper, and does not take responsibility for his actions. His parents are concerned about his overall mental health.

Develop a differential diagnosis for Wyatt by referring to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and using the following from the DSM-5 Handbook of Differential Diagnosis:

• 3.4.4 Differential Diagnosis for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.
• 2.2 Decision Tree for Behavioral Problems in a Child or Adolescent.
• 2.24 Decision Tree for Impulsivity or Impulse-Control Problems.
• Rule out malingering and factitious disorder.
• Rule out substance etiology.
• Rule out a disorder due to a general medical condition.
• Determine the specific primary disorder(s).
• Differentiate adjustment disorders from the residual other specified or unspecified disorders.
• Establish the boundary with no mental disorder.
• • What is the role of culture and ethnicity in the diagnosis?
  • What are your legal or ethical concerns in this case? (Refer to the ACA Code of Ethics and your knowledge of specific laws regulating the counseling profession.)
  • Identify community resources and professional referrals to help a client with similar needs.
• Include references to at least two additional scholarly resources.
• Be sure to follow current APA guidelines throughout your paper.