Psychology Investigatory Project
Psychology Investigatory Project
Psychology Investigatory Project
Case Profile
● Subjectivity: The interpretation of the case and the development of the profile
can be influenced by the subjectivity of the clinician or researcher, potentially
introducing bias.
Objective
To assess the impact of a personalized integrated therapy approach on reducing symptoms
of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in individuals
experiencing recent life stressors, using telephonic interview as a method of enquiry.
Introduction
Depression
Definition:
Depression is a significant public health concern characterized by its high prevalence,
causing immense suffering, functional impairment, increased morbidity, and substantial
economic burdens. It is a mental health disorder that affects a person's mood, thoughts, and
behavior, often leading to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a reduced
ability to enjoy life.
Symptoms:
Depression is characterized by a range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms,
including:
Causes:
The exact causes of depression are complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of
genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Common contributors include:
Medications:
Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are often prescribed to rebalance
brain chemistry.
Lifestyle Changes:
Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and
reducing stress can contribute to improved mood and overall well-being.
Supportive Networks:
Social support from friends and family, as well as participation in support groups, can play a
crucial role in recovery.
Prevalence:
According to a study conducted by the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, the prevalence of
depression in India is estimated to be around 2.7% . The study also found that depression is
more common in women than men, and that the prevalence of depression increases with
age.
Definition of Anxiety:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Anxiety, is etymologically derived from the Latin
word "anxietas" (meaning to choke, throttle, trouble, and upset), encompasses a spectrum of
behavioral, affective, and cognitive responses triggered by the perception of danger. It is a
fundamental and normal human emotion. In moderation, anxiety serves as a beneficial,
anticipatory response to challenging or stressful situations. However, when it becomes
excessive or pathological, anxiety can destabilize individuals and lead to dysfunctional
states. Excessive anxiety is characterized by its occurrence in the absence of real
challenges or stressors, disproportionate intensity or duration, significant distress, and
impairment across various domains, including psychological, social, occupational, and
biological functioning.
Types of Anxiety:
Anxiety manifests in various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder,
social anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Each type is marked by specific triggers and
symptoms, contributing to a diverse clinical landscape.
Symptoms of Anxiety:
The symptoms of anxiety encompass a wide array of emotional, cognitive, and physical
manifestations. These may include:
1. Heightened restlessness
2. Excessive worry
3. Irritability
4. Muscle tension
5. Sleep disturbances
6. Difficulty concentrating
7. Sense of impending doom
8. Panic attacks (sudden and intense fear)
Causes of Anxiety:
Anxiety disorders often arise from complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and
psychological factors such as:
1. Genetic predispositions
2. Environmental stressors (trauma, abuse, major life events)
3. Neurobiological factors (neurotransmitter imbalances, brain structure)
Prevalence:
My case is SM. He is 23 years old and an employee. A person passionate about cricket,
visiting cafes, traveling and reading books, he loves to be in the company of others.
Method of enquiry
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Interview Flow
Q. Could you please provide some background information on the client, such as his name,
age, occupation, and interests?
A.The client can be called SM. SM is a 23-year-old male, currently employed. He has a keen
interest in cricket, enjoys visiting cafes, traveling, and reading books. He also values
spending time with others and being in a social setting.
Q. What are the primary issues or symptoms that SM has been experiencing?
Q. Can you provide some insight into the potential causes or triggers for these symptoms?
A. During our sessions, SM shared that he recently went through a breakup with his
girlfriend. The relationship lasted for 5 months, with 2 months of close proximity and 3
months in a long-distance relationship. The breakup occurred due to infidelity on his
girlfriend's part during their long-distance phase. Furthermore, SM is currently living alone in
Delhi, away from his family and friends, which has left him without a strong support system.
Q. Were there any psychometric tests or specific methods you employed to assess SM's
condition?
A. In this case, due to the telephonic nature of our counseling sessions, we did not conduct
psychometric tests.
Q.Could you briefly summarize the treatment plan you developed for SM based on your
assessment?
A. After analyzing SM's condition, we concluded that he was experiencing mild anxiety and
depression. We conducted a total of 8 therapy sessions, each lasting 50-55 minutes. The
treatment plan included CBT techniques such as the ABC model, the 54321 method, and
cognitive restructuring. We also implemented mindfulness practices, lifestyle changes, and a
digital detox. Furthermore, we encouraged SM to engage in activities he previously enjoyed,
such as going to the gym and reading books, and initiated conversations with coworkers to
build a support network. Finally, we emphasized gratitude journaling and practicing the
Pomodoro technique to improve efficiency.
Psychological Report
Demographic details
Name: SM
Sex: Male
Age: 23 years
City of residence: Delhi
Religion: Hindu
Economic status: Upper middle class
Family arrangement: Nuclear
Members of family: Father and mother
Strengths: Willingness to work on himself, determination, quick at adapting
Weaknesses: Lack of focus, procrastination, negative thoughts, self doubt
Analysis
Presenting complaints
Cause
After further spending more time building a rapport with SM, SM mentioned that he recently
broke up with his girlfriend.The relationship lasted for 5 months, where 2 months they were
in a close proximity relationship and the other 3 months they were in a long distance
relationship. The reason for the breakup was because she was cheating on him during their
long distance relationship. Furthermore, SM was living alone in Delhi away from his family
and friends, thus having no support system around him
Psychometric tests
The PHQ-9 is a self-report questionnaire commonly used to assess and screen for
depression. It consists of nine questions that ask individuals to rate how often they have
experienced specific depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. Each item is scored on
a scale from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to
27.
1. Depressed mood
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
3. Changes in appetite or weight
4. Sleep disturbances
5. Fatigue or lack of energy
6. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
7. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
8. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
9. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
The total score on the PHQ-9 can help healthcare professionals determine the severity of an
individual's depressive symptoms. It is also used as a tool for monitoring changes in
symptoms over time and assessing treatment outcomes. Higher scores generally indicate
more severe depressive symptoms.
The GAD-7 is a brief self-report questionnaire designed to assess and screen for
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a common anxiety disorder. It consists of seven
questions that ask individuals to rate how often they have experienced specific anxiety
symptoms over the past two weeks. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 3
(nearly every day), resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 21.
Usually for anxiety and depression GA.and PHQ are used to clinically test, but in this case
the counseling procedure was completely telephonic. Thus, no psychometric tests were
conducted.
Treatment
After analyzing SM it was concluded that SM had mild anxiety and depression. 8 therapy
sessions were conducted where each session was 50-55 minutes long. The following
treatment had started after 2 sessions. The treatment suggested was as follows:
CBT techniques
ABC model
The ABC model was created by Dr. Albert Ellis, a psychologist and researcher.
Its name refers to the components of the model. Here’s what each letter stands for:
● A.Adversity or activating event.
● B. Your beliefs about the event. It involves both obvious and underlying thoughts
about situations, yourself, and others.
● C. Consequences, which includes your behavioral or emotional response.
It’s assumed that B links A and C. Additionally, B is considered to be the most important
component. That’s because CBT focuses on changing beliefs (B) in order to create more
positive consequences (C).
54321 method
Using the 54321 method, a person isolates each one of his/her senses and observes a
certain number of things using that specific sense. Before beginning, make sure to have a
slow heartbeat. The exercise is not to be rushed as it’s intended to help become grounded
and decrease anxiety.
1. Focus on 5 things you see around you, noting their size, shape, and color.
2. Focus on 4 things you can touch, paying attention to their texture and how they feel.
3. Focus on 3 things you can hear, including both loud and subtle sounds, and identify which
ones bring you comfort.
4. Identify 2 things you can smell, such as using lotion, perfume, or noticing other scents in
your environment.
5. Focus on 1 thing you can taste, whether it's chewing gum, taking a sip of a drink, or
simply being aware of the taste in your mouth.
Color breathing
Color breathing is a simple stress reducing activity that may be quickly learned. In short, it
involves mentally picturing/meditating on a color that represents how you want to feel or and
what you want to let go of in your life (stressor). One starts by getting in a comfortable
position and allowing oneself to relax. Method:
1. Get comfortable.
2. Choose colors for different emotions.
3. Take deep breaths.
4. Inhale a color associated with the desired emotion.
5. Exhale, releasing negative emotions.
6. Repeat, focusing on each breath and color.
Box breathing
Cognitive restructuring
PERMA method
The PERMA method in psychology focuses on five key elements for happiness and well-
being: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. It
emphasizes cultivating positive emotions, being fully engaged in activities, building
meaningful relationships, finding a sense of purpose, and achieving personal goals.
Lifestyle changes
Body scan meditation is a mindfulness practice where you systematically bring your attention
to different parts of your body, observing sensations without judgment. The purpose is to
increase awareness, promote relaxation, and cultivate a deeper connection with your body.
It can be done while sitting or lying down, and guided meditations are available to assist you.
Reducing caffeine and nicotine, which is present in coffee and cigarettes respectively, can
help anxiety patients by reducing physical symptoms, improving sleep, and enhancing
relaxation. Caffeine and nicotine can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and cutting down on
these substances can lead to overall improvements in anxiety levels.
Digital detox
A digital detox refers to a period of time where an individual intentionally disconnects from
digital devices and technology, such as smartphones, computers, and social media
platforms. A digital detox can benefit anxiety patients by reducing information overload,
decreasing social comparison, improving sleep quality, enhancing mindfulness, and
promoting real-life connections. SM practiced this by avoiding digital devices 2 hours before
sleeping.
Thought window
Mindful meditation
Gratitude journaling
Gratitude journaling is a practice where a person regularly writes down things he/she is
grateful for. It has been shown to have several benefits for mental and emotional well-being.
Benefits of gratitude journaling:
1. Shifts focus on the positive.
2. Increases happiness and positive emotions.
3. Reduces stress and anxiety.
4. Improves relationships.
5. Enhances self-awareness and personal growth.
6. Promotes resilience.
Pomodoro technique
Eisenhower Matrix
The Eisenhower Matrix, also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix, is a time management
tool named after former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It helps individuals prioritize
tasks based on their urgency and importance.
Using the Eisenhower Matrix involves regularly assessing tasks and placing them in the
appropriate quadrant. It helps individuals make informed decisions about where to allocate
their time and energy, ultimately leading to better time management and greater overall
productivity.
Prognosis
SM has made significant progress in managing his depression and anxiety through therapy
and various techniques. His mood has improved, and he's reengaging in activities he enjoys.
With ongoing self-care and support, SM is likely to maintain and further improve his mental
well-being. The prognosis is optimistic for his continued growth and well-being.
Conclusion
After conducting a thorough assessment of SM, including interviews, observations, and the
results of psychometric tests, several key findings have emerged.
SM is a 23-year-old male with a passion for cricket, reading books, traveling, and socializing.
He comes from an upper-middle-class background and lives in Delhi with his nuclear family.
His strengths include a willingness to work on himself, determination, and adaptability, while
his weaknesses include a lack of focus, procrastination, negative thoughts, and self-doubt.
During the treatment process, SM underwent eight therapy sessions lasting 50-55 minutes
each. The treatment approach included Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, the
ABC model, the 54321 method, color breathing, box breathing, cognitive restructuring, and
the PERMA method. These techniques aimed to address SM's symptoms, improve his
coping strategies, and promote his overall well-being.
Incorporating these techniques, SM made significant progress during the therapy sessions.
He learned to challenge and reframe negative thought patterns, regulate his emotions
through mindfulness exercises, and work on building a positive and meaningful life.
Additionally, he engaged in lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and nicotine intake,
practicing digital detox, and implementing thought windows to manage overthinking.
Overall, SM's journey through therapy revealed his resilience and determination to overcome
his mental health challenges. While he faced significant stressors, the therapeutic
interventions provided him with practical tools to manage his depression and anxiety
effectively. It is essential for SM to continue implementing these strategies and seek support
from his family and friends to maintain his mental well-being in the future.
Reference
1. Kumar, A., & Singh, N. (2022). Prevalence and risk factors of anxiety and depression
among adolescents in India: A systematic review. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine,
44(1), 1-12.
2. Jain, A.K., & Kaur, K. (2021). Mindfulness-based interventions for anxiety and depression
in India: A systematic review. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 63(1), 1-11.
3. Patel, V., & Gururaj, G. (2020). Lifestyle changes for anxiety and depression in India: A
review of the literature. Indian Journal of Public Health, 64(4), 108-114.
4. Channabasappa, S., & Murthy, P. (2019). Digital detox for mental health in India: A
feasibility study. Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry, 35(4), 421-427.
5. Bhatia, S., & Garg, S. (2018). Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression in
India: A review of the literature. Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, 72(12), 533-539.
6. Deshmukh, P. K., & Palande, D. D. (2017). The role of social support in preventing and
managing anxiety and depression in India: A review of the literature. Indian Journal of
Clinical Practice, 28(6), 445-451.
7. Singh, K., & Kumar, P. (2016). Cultural factors and the expression of anxiety and
depression in India: A review of the literature. Indian Journal of Social Work, 77(4), 509-523.
8. Patel, V., & Weiss, H. (2015). Mental health in India: A review of the evidence. Lancet,
385(9968), 922-930.
9. Gururaj, G., & Patel, V. (2014). Mental health in India: Strategies for the future. Indian
Journal of Psychiatry, 56(1), 66-72.
10. Murthy, R. S., & Chandrashekar, C. R. (2013). Mental health services in India: A review
of the progress. Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, 67(11), 485-492.
complaints:
Anxiety,(cognitive - not fit in physiological- palpitations cold hands cold feet)
Depressive
insomnia
past rumination
p- meditation
e connecting back to old hobbies and gym
r initiating conversations with coworkers (assertiveness and roleplay)
m connecting to altruistic activities - spending time in old age home
a gratitude journaling
CBT techniques- abc , 54321 ,color & box breathing mindfulness based(meditation),
cognitive restructuring
overthinking- thought window, mindfulness meditation,sfbt- solution focused brief
therapy ,gratitude journaling
enjoyed cricket went to cafes loved to travel spent time in old age home
body scan meditation, journalling, cutting caffeine and nicotine, no mobile before bed
time management- eisenhower and pomodoro > to decrease procrastination and increase
efficiency