Week Two Assignment Scenario

Week Two Assignment Scenario
PSYCH/627 Version 1 / 1

University of Phoenix Material

Week Two Assignment Scenario

Context:Eduardo was seen for evaluation at a facility that performs bariatric surgery. You are members of the behavioral health team, charged with developing a biopsychosocial evaluation. This should not be a treatment plan, but an assessment of the person’s current problems and level of functioning based on the information provided.

Personal Information:Eduardo is a 36-year old Hispanicmale who is married and lives in an urban area with his spouse and three children, who range in age from 4 to 13.

Current Problems: Eduardo currently weighs 310 pounds and stands 5”6” tall, with a body mass index of 50, putting him in the “very obese” category. Because of his weight, he reports shortness of breath and possible asthma, acid reflux, sleep apnea, knee and back pain, and he has been told by his doctors that he is at great risk of developing diabetes. He reports many problems with daily living, including reduced physical function and personal hygiene due to his weight.

Psychosocial Data:Eduardo was born in Arizona, the third of five children. His parents are alive. There is a significant family history of obesity in both parents and three siblings. He describes a normal upbringing in a lower-middle-class family and he remains close to all family members. He completed high school and a half-year of technical school. He reports getting “average” grades through school. He got married when he was 24 and he describes his marital relationship as close and supportive. His spouse is concerned about possible future health problems due to his weight. Eduardo works full-time as a technician for a cable TV company. He finds it increasingly difficult to remain active at work and has some fear of losing his job. Aside from his family, he describes himself as a “loner” and has a low level of social support. He does have some friends at work, but does little to socialize with them outside of work.

Appearance and Behavior:Eduardo is an overweight person who looks about his stated age, He is neatly dressed. His gait is slow and guarded when he walks, and his gestures are slow as well. His personal hygiene appears to be poor. There are no signs of agitation or hyperactivity and his mental status is normal. He smiles on occasion, but his demeanor is subdued.

Psychological Profile: Eduardo reports a 10-year history of depression. He takes a prescription

antidepressant medication, and he claims they help to stabilize his mood. Psychological testing and an interview reveal no significant problems, aside from “mild” depression and a binge eating disorder, revealed via an eating behavior test. He tends to have a pessimistic view of the world and his life. He describes fears of dying prematurely.

Behavioral Health Data: Eduardo describes his eating patterns and appetite as “screwed up.” He typically eats no breakfast, fast food for lunch, and a large dinner, with some snacks in between meals. He describes himself as an emotional eater and often finds that he eats much larger quantities of food than expected. There is some night eating, usually after 9 PM. Sleep patterns are poor with total sleep time estimated at 4 hours a night. He goes to sleep quickly but has frequent awakenings. He drinks “a few beers” two to three times per week. He does not smoke or use other forms of tobacco. His level of physical exercise is low. He claims he used to work out at a gym, but quit about 5 years ago.