Case Overview

Patient Names:
Adolescent: Malik
Mother: Gayle

General Information: The adolescent is a 15-year old African American male. He lives with his biological mother, grandmother, and two younger sisters (ages 13 and 2). He does not have contact with his father and cannot remember the last time he saw him. The family moved in with the grandmother when Gayle was pregnant with Malik’s 2-year-old sister. Mom was fleeing a domestically violent relationship. Grandmother is described as “mean” by the adolescent and mother. Mother has been out of work since giving birth to her 2-year-old daughter. She previously worked as a hospital tech, but is unable to find work with a schedule that permits her to also tend to her children. Grandmother works and provides for the family. Adolescent is intelligent, sensitive and insightful however he is struggling in school with grades of C’s, D’s and F’s. Malik notes that the other kids are loud, distract him and he feels nervous much of the time because he is frequently bullied. Gayle indicated that there is a family history of behavioral and emotional problems including a family history of depression and substance abuse/dependence (maternal grandparents).

Presenting Problem: Adolescent reported that he has been depressed for many years (since 8 years old) and attributes it to not knowing his father, being bullied at school, not having friends, living with his grandmother whom he viewed as verbally mean, and loss of a close adult cousin who was his only emotional support. He indicated having thoughts of suicide but no plan or intent. He smokes marijuana a few times a week and drinks alcohol on the weekends. His mother noted the following problems: destroys things, lying/cheating, unhappy/sad/depressed, anxious/fearful, and school problems. She said these problems have been occurring for the past six years, although the suicidal thoughts are new to her. In reaction to being bullied, the boy has told the school he would kill himself. He does not see himself as a violent person, but when he feels pushed to the edge he gets angry and will lash out.