Case Study
Patient Demographic: Initial Intake: Age: 16 Sex: Female Gender: Female Sexuality: Heterosexual Ethnicity: Caucasian Relationship Status: Single Counseling Setting: Private Practice Type of Counseling: Individual
Mental Status Exam: Molly muttered one-word answers during the intake session, made little eye contact and frequently rolled her eyes. She started to warm up towards the middle of the intake session, with some prompting from her mother. She reluctantly agreed to continue counseling sessions- only due to the fact her mother stated that she could not use the family car unless she went to counseling.
Presenting Problem: Molly is a 16-year-old female who was referred to an outpatient mental health clinic after a two-week admission at a local psychiatric hospital. Molly was brought to the hospital by ambulance after she disclosed to the school psychologist that she wanted to kill herself.
 
History:
When asked what brought the family to the session, Molly’s mother was tearful as she disclosed that her husband died in a car accident 11 months ago. Molly and her father had been close, spending time together as Molly played recreational softball and her father was the coach. Since her father’s death, she has been distant with her mother, and often picks fights with her. Additionally, Molly frequently complains of stomach aches, stating that the pain is so severe, she cannot go to school. Before her father’s death, Molly was in Advanced Placement classes and maintained a high average. Recently, Molly’s grades have been declining and she is no longer interested in softball. She states that when she goes to the softball field, she can almost hear her father speaking to her.

Question: What assessment would be best to assess Molly's current functioning?
(A): Beck Depression Inventory
(B): Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale
(C): Conners Rating Scale
(D): Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales

Correct Answer: Beck Depression Inventory
Explanation: The Beck Depression Inventory is a 21 question, self-scoring questionnaire to determine the severity of depression. This would be beneficial to use at this time to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. The Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale is an assessment that measures functioning in various domains such as cognitive functioning and issues at school, home and the community. Molly has not had difficulties prior to the death of her father and her school issues are the result of attendance issues. If she was having difficulty in other areas of her life, this assessment may be beneficial to help drive goals and treatment. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales is a guided questionnaire used to identify developmental disabilities. This would not be appropriate to use with Molly as there is no indication of developmental issues. The Conners Rating Scale is used to measure the severity of symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In addition, various domains are examined. This would not be an appropriate assessment to use with Molly as she is not exhibiting any symptoms of ADHD. Therefore, the correct answer is (A)
Competency: intake, assessment, and diagnosis