Mental Health Case Study: Margaret Lewis

At the time of evaluation, Margaret Lewis had been serving a 10-year sentence for drug manufacturing and possession. She was referred by Maricopa county correctional health services (MCCHS) for evaluation for potential transfer to the mental health unit. Margaret reported that she experienced anxiety, excessive ruminations, and sleep problems. She revealed that her anxiety affected her daily functioning, as she believes all the girls are out to get her. She also reported that she experienced difficulty falling asleep, and she wakes up in the middle of the night to make sure her belongings are where she put them.

Notification of Purpose and Limits of Confidentiality

Limits of confidentiality and confidentiality pertaining to danger

Margaret reported that she was not spiritual at any time in her life, that she grew up in a poor neighborhood in Arizona, and did not have any disabilities. She resided at a Maricopa County correctional facility at the time of evaluation.

Margaret reported no significant developmental delays that she new of. She stated that she began walking early as a child. Margaret also stated that, because they grew up poor, she did not believe her mom was very healthy while pregnant with her, and that she may have drank alcohol during that time, but did not indicate how much. Specific pre-peri-post natal issues, delays, sensiorimotor issues, along with language, motor, cognitive, social/relational problems were not discussed.

Family History and Significant

She also reported that her father did not believe she was his biological child. Margaret commented that she believed her father was an alcoholic, as he frequently came home drunk and hit her a lot. Margaret said that when her father would do this, he thought he was disciplining her and did not know how to control his anger. She also reported that she was not able to sleep until he fell asleep. Margaret subsequently reported that her mother frequently compared her with her older sister in a negative manner. Margaret also reported that when she left home at the age of 16 she met a guy and was in a relationship with him. She lived with him for four years, but he yelled at her and hit her a lot for not doing things right. She also stated that she is currently in a complicated relationship with her boyfriend and that he is the reason she is in prison. When asked about her support system, Margaret reported that when she was younger she tried making friends with her sister’s friends, but they did not like her. Therefore, she said that “she spent time at the park with whoever was there, so she didn’t have to go home.” She did not indicate if she currently has a support system. Margaret also said that she had not experienced any good losses, but “good riddance to those who