Treatment of Major Depression, complicated grief, and dependent personality traits in a visually impaired woman: A case study

Abstract

This dissertation presents the case study of M.W., a 55-year-old. visually impaired woman with extensive prior history of major depression, dependent personality features, and complicated bereavement after the death of her mother from Alzheimer's disease. Her pathological grief was accompanied by a psychotic episode. The course of treatment had to be modified because of an interaction between M.W.'s disability and her psychological circumstances. These modifications to standard cognitive behavioral techniques are discussed, along with complicating factors including treatment non-compliance. The theoretical rationale for modification is presented, drawing upon literature from the fields of psychology, occupational therapy, and medicine. It is only with combined knowledge from these fields that comprehensive conceptualization and treatment of M.W was possible.