Biopsychosocial Assessment of Frank Gallaghers Alcohol Dementia

Abstract

Biopsychosocial Assessment: Frank Gallagher’s Case Study Introduction A Biopsychosocial assessment tool is a systematic way of evaluation that takes into account the biological, social, and psychological aspects of someone's life when determining what is the cause of their problems. It is used by counselors, psychologists, and physicians to monitor, evaluate and understand the history, causes, and reasons of distinct issues in patients. It is conducted by asking a series of questions formulated and written down to be answered genuinely by the patient. Francis "Frank" Gallagher was one of the main characters of Shameless. Together with his late wife Monica Gallagher, he was the father of their five children (and other main characters) Fiona Gallagher, Lip Gallagher, Debbie Gallagher, Carl Gallagher, and Liam Gallagher until he died in the series finale. He is diagnosed with Early Stage Alcohol Dementia. After surgery, frank is not cautious and he is at times forgetful and seems to lose a memory with time. Though he slows down the drinking, he finally succumbs to alcohol after surgery was conducted in later stages where he seems to need a liver transplant. He is the proud, single dad of the five, smart, spirited, independent kids who seem rather okay or doing better without him. He is a hopeless addict and alcoholic who seems to find trouble wherever he goes and in whatever he does. When he is not in the bar spending the little money he has, he is mostly passed out on the floor of the house he shares with his children. He was the adoptive father and uncle of Ian Gallagher. Through his ex-girlfriend Queenie Slott, he was the father of Sammi Slott. He provides next to nothing in the way of parenting or financial support and usually serves as one of the main headaches in the Gallagher household. Frank has also shown that he would give up his children if it meant he could get some cash for alcohol and booze. Presenting problem Frank is having a drinking and substance abuse problem. He has been using drugs and alcohol since his days in College. This means that the problem has been there for over 40 years and seems to get worse every day. Alcoholism has been an issue to Frank and the family that he has little involvement in the life of his children. He is not in a position to take care of the family and has resolved to neglect and abuse sometimes. The condition has affected his family both emotionally, financially, and socially. At times, Frank has tried to steal some cash from the children to get the little cash to pay buy whatever liquor and substances he needs. On multiple occasions, frank has tried to stop drinking, but always gets sucked up into alcoholism. Alcoholism and substance use has resulted in him being hospitalized, memory loss, close to death, and needing a liver transplant. Personal Status Frank is raising five kids alone after the death of his wife a while ago. He is not practically raising the children as he is barely involved in their lives. He is unemployed and seems to survive through a few cunning ways he employs to rip off a little money from different people in his life. There is poor communication between Frank and his children. Some are loathed by his behaviors and irresponsible nature. The communication amongst themselves is rather great, however. The family is living in poor conditions in Chicago's Southside. The patient together with his family is a Non-practicing Catholic who seems to celebrate most of the holidays, however. Regardless of their financial statuses, the family has fewer issues except for the misunderstandings and conflicts between the children and frank. The kids are responsible and smart. Frank has had numerous relationships with different partners throughout his life. He seems to skip from one woman to another, some of who seem destructive and toxic. Some of the relationships are used for personal benefits like shelter and financial support. The relationship between Frank and his mother is wanting as Frank complains that she was abusive and spends much of the time in jail. Drug history and current history of use Frank has been an alcoholic and drug user for the longest time. The mother had abusive behaviors and also used alcohol. She abused and showed no affection to Frank. Frank and his wife Monica were both alcoholics who were battling with some mental issues. Later on, following the many challenges in the family and the break up with the boyfriend, Fiona, the eldest daughter had a spree of drinking for a while. Monica is mentally ill and had to abandon the family to seek some treatment and help from a mental facility. Most of the family members have their issues all related and resulting from alcohol consumption in the family. Lip Gallagher starts using alcohol at a point in life, almost becoming an addict like his father. He is expelled from school for alcoholism and poor behaviors. Mental and psychological health history for the client and in the family There is a distinct history of mental illness in the family ranging from Frank's mother to his wife, Monica, Frank himself, and a few of the children. Monica Gallagher had to leave the family to be in a mental facility. Frank has shown distinct signs of mental and psychological issues depicted in his behavior. He has a narcissistic personality disorder. He has an exaggerated sense of entitlement and self-importance. He has shown narcissistic behaviors by taking advantage of others for his gain. He has also portrayed the inability to recognize others as well as too much expectation to be recognized as superior. He has also shown abusive behaviors and has difficulties controlling and regulating emotions and behaviors. Frank tries to take control of others and feels essential through belittling other people. At the same time, his mother shows a history of psychotic behaviors by abusing and neglecting Frank. She always expressed abnormal behaviors that made it difficult for Frank to live and enjoy a normal life. There are more psychotic and psychological behaviors exhibited and expressed by more of the kids in the family. It has been expressed in Ian and Monica Gallagher. Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). PTSD has also been prevalent in the family history. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Frank has also shown some antisocial personality disorders. The symptoms include the failure to realize the negative consequences of one's actions, abusive and selfish behaviors, lack of empathy and remorse, using charm to manipulate others and take advantage of them, arrogance, and persistent lying and deceit. Medical health history and current medical status Apart from Alcoholism, there are no other underlying health conditions with Frank or any member of the family. Family relationships and current relationships Even with his behaviors and relationships with different members of the family, Frank has a communicating relationship with his children and other members of the extended family. His mother is depicted as abusive and neglecting. Frank heavily resented his mother, though he showed care for her as he attempted to make amends with her and was quick to prevent her from kidnapping children since she would go back to prison. Not much is...