Betty is an individual who has suffered abuse and has been diagnosed with psychiatric problems. She exhibits maladaptive behaviors that reduce effective functioning in society. Through the activity of creative dance, it is hoped that Betty can become more emotionally healthy. This will enable her to battle her major problem, depression, in a more productive manner and come to terms with her past abuse.

1) PRIMARY

Major Depression, Recurrent; Bipolar Depressed

• Symptoms of depression include: "diminished ability to think or concentrate", lack of enjoyment for usual activities, feelings of unhappiness and having no purpose in life, accompanied by suicidal thoughts (DSM-IV,1994, p.162).

2) SECONDARY

• Borderline Personality Traits- Treatment for depression will also treat aspects of borderline traits (impulsivity) by increasing serotonin brain levels (Holmes, 1994).

• Histrionic Personality Disorder- Since this disorder "is not a particular serious disorder" (Holmes, 1994, p. 366), it is more important to tackle her primary problem, depression (i.e. because Betty is depressed and does not feel good about herself, she feels the need to constantly reaffirm herself by acting out). Dancing, however will suit her outgoing, exaggerated personality.

• Attention-Hyperactivity Disorder- This condition is related to Betty's depression (i.e. Betty has trouble focusing her attention as she is uncontented with her life).

• Dependent Traits - This implies that Betty has difficulty functioning on her own.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Traits -This is treated best using antidepressants (Holmes, 1994). These traits are a reflection of Betty's depression and her inability to control it.

1. To get in touch with/express her feelings.

2. To teach Betty relaxation techniques to be used during many everyday life activities.

3. To decrease symptoms of depression and secondary problems (i.e. increase concentration and positive feelings).

4. To participate in and feel that this is an activity she is doing for herself, reducing her feelings of dependency.

1. Betty can practice her dance routines/skills at home. It is good for her to learn how to use dance as an effective tool that she can use whenever she needs it. She only needs a radio/tape player for music and an open area to practice.

2. On certain occasions it would be good for Betty to practice dance with her daughter. As the client indicated that the only reason she is alive is for her daughter, she can spend some quality time with daughter and teach her daughter some future copi ng skills. It is emphasized, however, that this is an activity primarily for Betty.

3. Betty may also choose to explore her East Indian culture, as this culture has traditional dances/music to provide variety to her dancing activities when she practices.

1. Betty will share more emotional experiences as therapy progresses.

2. The dance class will move from a structured format to an unstructured format where Betty will have a greater role in creating her dances.

• Inappropriate use of dance moves and inappropriate relationships with group members (i.e. Betty being overly seductive in her dancing and in relating to group members). This could be caused by poor choice of music (i.e. seductive lyrics).

1. Betty is currently taking appropriate medication for her psychiatric problems which have improved her depressive state. She is seeing her psychiatrist on a regular basis.

2. Betty is open to the idea of dancing and participating one time per week for one hour each time.

3. The damage Betty has sustained due to her abuse of alcohol and drugs (organic personality disorder) will not hinder the therapeutic process.

4. Social assistance will cover the cost of Betty's dance classes, which is considered a part of her therapy.

5. Betty will be able to maintain an acceptable standard of living on social assistance until she has reduced her negative behaviors in therapy. At this time, re-entry into the workforce will be possible since Betty lives in an urban city with many job s available.

6. Since creative dance is varied with opportunities for self-expression, Betty's attention-hyperactivity disorder will not impede the treatment program.

7. Betty's daughter will be cared for by a responsible adult while Betty is at class.

8. Substance abuse (drugs/alcohol) is not a current concern for Betty.

9. The dance class members are open to Betty particitpating in the class.

10. The dance instructor will have knowledge of Betty's issues and will work with the occupational therapist to empower Betty to improve her condition.

11. Betty's allergies and arthritis will not interfere with her dancing activities. She has mild arthritis in her hands and stretching exercises will be incorporated in the classes (Reed, 1994, p.320-21).

Betty will benefit from creative dance in that it will reduce her current depressive state. In the future, Betty will have more effective coping strategies to deal with depression and her secondary problems.

1. Holmes, D.S. (1994). Abnormal Psychology. Second Edition. (pp. 137, 366, 370). New York, New York: HarperCollins College Publishers.

2. Quick Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-IV (1994). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.

3. Reed, K.L. (1991). Quick Reference to Occupational Therapy. (pp. 320-321). Gaithersburg, Maryland: Aspen Publishers, Inc.