Reference no: EM133160126

Read the attached Case Study 

1. Even before evaluations, what are the physical/mental characteristics observed in the case study that are relevant to substance use disorder and compulsive buying disorder?

2. What instruments or evaluations would you use to determine what level of substance use disorder Helen has? Her mood disorder? What would you use to screen for compulsive buying disorder?

3. What type(s) of treatment would you recommend for Helen?

Case Study: Helen

Helen is a 38-year-old woman who lives alone in an exquisite apartment complex. She is surrounded by singles who like to party and socialize. Helen enjoys going to these parties and enjoys the people. This gives her the opportunity to show off her new outfits and jewelry at social events held within the complex. Receiving compliments on her wardrobe makes her feel worthwhile and liked.

Helen feels she has earned the right to "take care of herself" by purchasing what is attractive to her and what makes her feel good. When she is not shopping or buying something, she experiences episodes of anxiety and depression. She does not eat well, and sleeping can be a problem. Helen has few interests except for shopping both on site and online. She does experience anxiety over her credit card balances, her recent divorce, lack of employment, and lack of an "intimate relationship." Helen says her drinking is only when she can't go shopping because the credit cards are "maxed out."

Helen has a history of excessive shopping and spending that led to her husband's bankruptcy and their eventual divorce. Helen denies she is a "shopaholic" and claims the problems with her ex-husband drove her to shopping binges, as well as drinking and experimenting with drugs.

Helen enjoys the freedom to shop without "having to face an angry husband who would scold her" for spending thousands of dollars on clothes and jewelry. Helen says that he "never understood how important it was to her to look good."

Helen is angry at her few close friends who stated she needs professional help for shopping and substance use. Although she is worried, she believes that she "has it under control" and will "stop as soon as she feels better about herself after the divorce.