Case Example #1
Demographics: Katelyn Jones is an eighteen-year-old who identifies as female. Katelyn states that she is of Caucasian descent.
Presenting Problem: Katelyn has just begun outpatient treatment at the Calgary Eating Disorder Program (CEDP) for anorexia nervosa. She is resistant to treatment and does not see her eating disorder as a problem. Katelyn is also in her final year of high school and worries about graduating due to a drop in grades in the last several months. She also stresses about this new transition into adulthood and what the future will hold.
Role of the Social Worker: The role of the social worker is to complete a psychosocial assessment of the client. From there, the social worker will work with Katelyn and her family to develop the skills necessary in fighting against the eating disorder.
Biological: Katelyn is 18 years old and has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Her mother states that Katelyn began showing symptoms of her eating disorder at 16 years old. Due to the potential biological factors of eating disorders, it was disclosed that the mother has a history of an eating disorder. As a result of the anorexia, Katelyn presents as underweight with some cognitive impairments.
Psychological: 6 months prior to beginning at the CEDP, Katelyn was on a waitlist to see a psychiatrist, at the request of her mother. After a 5-month wait, Katelyn had an appointment with the psychiatrist and was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She was then referred by the psychiatrist to the eating disorder program. Due to the recent diagnoses of multiple disorders, correct doses of medication are currently being tested and monitored. Katelyn’s mother’s history of an eating disorder was stated as a trigger for Katelyn.
Social: Katelyn’s mother is a single-mother and the father is not present in Katelyn’s life. Katelyn also has a 15-year-old brother who she is close with. Katelyn’s mother is supportive in attending appointments and in encouraging Katelyn to recover. However, as a single mother, she finds it difficult to balance the demands of work, raising two children, her own mental health concerns, and financial concerns. No extended family lives in Calgary, so the mother does not have access to additional family support in attending Katelyn’s treatment sessions. Katelyn used to have many friends but in the last year, she lost most of those friends due to the isolation that the eating disorder caused. Playing piano has always been an important part of Katelyn’s life, but she hasn’t played in a year due to difficulties in concentration and lack of interest. Katelyn’s family attends church and the strong social network that it facilitated was valuable for her. However, Katelyn has not attended church in several months due to the anorexia.
Vocational: From demands of school and the eating disorder, Katelyn is unemployed. She lives at home with her mother and younger brother and is financially supported by her mother.
Strengths/Resources: Katelyn has a difficult time observing strengths within herself. Her mother and brother describe Katelyn to be determined and hard-working. Her biggest supports are her mother and brother.
