Case Study Analysis

This assignment helps you practice how social workers understand and assess mental health conditionsnot just identify a diagnosis.

You will:

• Research one clinical syndrome
• Create a brief case study that illustrates the syndrome
• Apply an ecological and social work perspective
• Begin thinking about services, ethics, and advocacy

This assignment prepares you for field work, clinical practice, and Case Analysis II.

STEP 1: CHOOSE A CLINICAL SYNDROME

To avoid multiple presentations on the same topic, you will randomly choose a clinical syndrome (for example: Agoraphobia, Depression, PTSD).

It is my hope that it will be one of interest or one that you expect to encounter in social work practice.

You may not switch your topic with a peer.

STEP 2: CREATE A SHORT CASE STUDY ( 2 Pages)

Your case study should clearly show how the syndrome presents in a real person.

You may use:

• A field placement case (must be fully de-identified)
• A published or online case
• A fictional or composite case
• A well-known case from the news

Your case should include:

• Client background
• Presenting problem
• Social, cultural, and environmental factors
• Strengths and challenges

STEP 3: ANALYZE THE SYNDROME

(Use headings to organize your paper)

A. Understanding the Syndrome

• How has this syndrome been understood historically?
• What biological factors are associated with it?
• Are medications used to treat it?
• If yes, how do they work in the body?
• What other disorders or medical conditions look similar?
• How would a clinician tell the difference?

B. Prevalence and Diversity

• How common is this syndrome?
• Include gender differences
• Include cross-cultural considerations
• How does the syndrome show up differently across populations?

C. Explaining the Syndrome

• How would you explain this condition to a non-clinical audience?
• What educational resources could help clients understand it?
• What stigma or shame might affect help-seeking?

D. Social Work Assessment and Services

• What services are needed to address this syndrome?
• Identify:
• Local or community resources
• A continuum of care
• How would services differ for:
• Mild or short-term symptoms?
• Severe or long-term symptoms?

E. Strengths, Ethics, and Advocacy

• What strengths and resilience factors should be assessed?
• How can family or natural supports be involved?
• What ethical issues might arise?
• How can social workers promote advocacy, empowerment, and social justice?
• How would the worker or agency evaluate whether services are effective?