PSYC FPX 3130 Case Study Assessment: Mental Health Analysis for Derek

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC-FPX3130 Criminal Psychology and Behavior

Prof. Name

Date

Case Study Assessment Form

Directions: Based on the selected case study, carefully complete each section below by addressing the questions provided. Follow APA formatting guidelines and provide scholarly support for your responses.

Biographical Data

Derek, a 22-year-old African American male, has a long-standing history of emotional and behavioral instability. From early adolescence, he experienced recurring mental health challenges leading to multiple institutionalizations. His behavioral patterns demonstrate significant impulsivity, poor emotional regulation, and difficulty maintaining interpersonal boundaries. Recently, he was accused of second-degree murder, which prompted a thorough psychological evaluation to determine the presence of an underlying mental disorder.

DSM-5-TR Observed Symptoms

Depressive Symptoms

Manic Symptoms

Anxiety Symptoms

Psychotic Symptoms

Diagnosis

| Diagnosis | Bipolar I Disorder |

Rationale for Diagnosis

Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression, often accompanied by psychotic features during severe phases (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). The onset typically occurs between late adolescence and early adulthood, aligning with Derek’s age (Oliva et al., 2025). His presentation of heightened irritability, impulsivity, hallucinations, and periods of high energy alternating with depression strongly supports this diagnosis.

Derek’s recurring hospitalizations, coupled with risky behavior such as aggression and property destruction, point toward poor impulse control commonly associated with manic episodes. Moreover, his suicidal ideations and lack of remorse indicate a deep affective instability. His experiences of auditory hallucinations and disorganized behavior during manic phases are consistent with psychotic features in Bipolar I Disorder (Javier et al., 2025).

Biological Origins

Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic and neurobiological basis. Research indicates significant dysregulation in neurotransmitter systems, particularly dopamine and serotonin, as well as abnormalities in the prefrontal-limbic circuitry that regulate emotion and impulse control (First, 2024). For Derek, chronic stress, loss of significant relationships, and early trauma may have interacted with biological predispositions to trigger manic and depressive episodes.

Additionally, sleep deprivation and disrupted circadian rhythms likely exacerbate his mood instability. Neuroimaging studies suggest that structural abnormalities in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex contribute to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and aggression, which are evident in Derek’s behavioral profile (Oliva et al., 2025).

Learning and Situational Factors

Environmental stressors and maladaptive learning experiences can intensify bipolar symptoms. Derek’s early exposure to family conflict and instability may have reinforced maladaptive coping strategies such as aggression and substance use. He reported early initiation of marijuana use and risky sexual behavior, both of which can exacerbate manic tendencies (First, 2024).

Substance use—particularly cannabis and hallucinogens—has been shown to trigger or worsen manic and psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals. In Derek’s case, the combination of substance abuse and emotional trauma likely amplified his impulsivity, leading to severe behavioral consequences such as violent outbursts and criminal acts.

Developmental Risks and Protective Factors

Derek exhibited impulsivity, poor emotional regulation, and aggression from early childhood, suggesting neurodevelopmental vulnerability. Early signs of mood cycling around age nine indicate an emerging pattern of bipolar symptoms. Developmental risks include genetic susceptibility, early behavioral dysregulation, and substance misuse.

However, protective factors such as early intervention, consistent psychotherapy, medication adherence, and family support could help mitigate these behaviors. With structured psychiatric care and community-based programs, individuals like Derek can achieve mood stability and improved social functioning (Bartol & Bartol, 2020).

Proposed Assessment

Description of the Assessment

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a validated self-report screening tool designed to identify individuals likely to have bipolar disorder. It evaluates the presence and clustering of manic or hypomanic symptoms and their impact on functioning (Mundy et al., 2023). The questionnaire comprises 13 items assessing mood elevation, energy, impulsivity, and risk behaviors, with additional questions about symptom duration and impairment.

The MDQ has demonstrated strong cross-cultural reliability and is used globally in both clinical and forensic settings. Its brief administration time and straightforward scoring make it effective for initial screening before comprehensive clinical evaluation (Mundy et al., 2023).

Scientific Evidence Supporting Its Use

Empirical studies confirm the MDQ’s efficacy in identifying bipolar disorder among young adults, with particular sensitivity to manic and hypomanic features. For Derek, whose symptoms include hyperactivity, distractibility, irritability, risky sexual behavior, and impaired judgment, the MDQ provides an appropriate assessment framework (Mundy et al., 2023).

The tool’s emphasis on mood elevation, decreased need for sleep, and increased goal-directed activity aligns closely with Derek’s clinical presentation. Given his history of aggression, impulsivity, and psychotic-like features, the MDQ serves as a strong preliminary measure to guide further diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Publishing.

Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2020). Criminal behavior: A psychological approach (12th ed.). Pearson Education.

First, M. B. (2024). DSM-5-TR handbook of differential diagnosis. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

PSYC FPX 3130 Case Study Assessment: Mental Health Analysis for Derek

Javier, A., Jaworska, N., Fiedorowicz, J., Magnotta, V., Richards, J. G., Barsotti, E. J., & Wemmie, J. A. (2025). Characteristics of people with bipolar disorder I with and without auditory verbal hallucinations. International Journal of Bipolar Disorders, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40345-025-00369-8

Mundy, J., Hübel, C., Adey, B. N., Davies, H. L., Davies, M. R., Coleman, J. R., Hotopf, M., Kalsi, G., Lee, S. H., McIntosh, A. M., Rogers, H. C., Eley, T. C., Murray, R. M., Vassos, E., & Breen, G. (2023). Genetic examination of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire and its relationship with bipolar disorder. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics, 192(7–8), 147–160. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.b.32938

Oliva, V., Fico, G., De Prisco, M., Gonda, X., Rosa, A. R., & Vieta, E. (2025). Bipolar disorders: An update on critical aspects. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, 48, 101135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101135