Liz, a 15 year old high school Freshman, has been exhibiting certain behaviors lately and in the past that have been affecting her today. Liz has been functioning below grade level academically. She cannot work independently, "hates" school, and rebels against all authority. She is defensive and uses abusive language. She tends to blame others for her carelessness and seldom takes responsibility. According to Liz's parents, Liz seldom slept enough when she was younger, so as to give them a break from her behaviors. As Liz grew older, she began to react impulsively. She has been caught distributing drugs and refuses to get tested, psychologically.

There are certain factors, from the past, that may have contributed to how Liz is today. First of all, Liz seemed to be deprived of sleep, early on, which could have contributed to her moody behavior. It also seems that Liz's parents expressed the lack of sleep issue more as a problem for them, rather than for Liz, which could let off a negative vibe to Liz, resulting in her negativity. Secondly, Liz's parents expressed their use of various disciplining t

She may be exhibiting signs of ADHD and a possible mental disorder (such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder). Another possible explanation for her at risk behaviors may be due to her home environment. Liz's parents state that she has been in a state of "perpetual motion" since she was very young and does not sleep very much. She reacts impulsively to most situations regardless of the consequences. There are all signs of ADHD and a possible mental disorder. Testing is needed for Liz.

Liz refuses to see the Psychologist until she was threatened with expulsion from school. It appears that school is very important to Liz, even though she does not show it. It could be because of all the attention she has been receiving, even if negative. She also has her friends at school. Liz's teachers and parents could write up a home/school contract with Liz. The contract could work as an agreement that Liz will be expected to behave appropriately during school. In return, Liz would receive positive feedback from both school and home. The parents may benefit from parenting classes, which could in turn help Liz in the long run. Group therapy, with other teens, is another option for Liz, since she was ca

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Approximate Word count = 812
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)