The eclectic approach: clinical applications

Abstract

Susan Smith, a 23-year-old single female, was admitted to the psychiatric unit following a suicidal gesture. She had taken an overdose of Haldol, a medication that had been prescribed for her because of increasing psychiatric symptoms. Susan had been in outpatient treatment for a year, since she had begun experiencing auditory hallucinations with the voice of a priest telling her that she was bad. A precipitating event to her overdose had been a sexual encounter with a male student from the same university that Susan attended. Susan had lived at home and attended a local vocational college before starting at the University a year and a half before. During her time at the university, her ability to concentrate on her studies and to carry out activities of daily living had gradually deteriorated, although she continued to be able to function well in some structured classes. At times she was easily agitated, and her language became fragmented when there was an increase in stress for her.