Mental Disorder and Case Examples

Posted by Barbara Melville Jul 28, 2008

An editor friend suggested that I use a few case examples in my articles. By this, she meant conducting my own interviews to get personal perspectives, rather than regurgitating individual case studies published in journals (though such studies definitely have their place). I felt alarmed at first – I like to write cold, factual pieces. On reflection, I decided that this is a good idea, though I think it’s imperative that the point of such articles are crystal clear. There should be no doubt in the reader’s mind that they are viewing an individual perspective.

I spoke to a friend about their depression last week. She described how small but upsetting events from her past, such as arguments or embarrassing moments, frequently pop into her head when she’s feeling low, causing her great distress. If this is a symptom of her depression (and keep in mind that it might not be) then it is quite specific. I don’t think I’ve seen it mentioned on any symptoms list, but in my mental health nursing practice, I heard similar concerns described by people with major depression and PMDD.

What would be the point of relating that experience in an article? Well, for some, it will help them piece together some idea of what mental disorder might be like. It gives some meaning to symptoms such as “depressed mood”, which, without examples, may leave people confused. Also, if presented clearly, it highlights how an illness such as depression can affect people differently. Anyway, this week I’m working on a questionnaire for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which I will then try to work into articles. We’ll see how it goes.