Biopsychosocial Assessment: Morris S. Schwartz

Morris Schwartz, a former sociology professor, was diagnosed recently with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and presented in the clinic expressing concern about morning bouts of atypical anxiety, fear, self-pity, and crying (Albom, 1997, p. 56). Mr. Schwartz's day-to-day medical needs are provided by a palliative care nurse in his home and has no desire to be transitioned into a nursing home or hospice center as he reaches the end of his life. What follows is a biopsychosocial assessment of Mr. Schwartz, or Morrie as he prefers.

Biological

Morrie was in his mid-70s when diagnosed with ALS ("Morris S. Schwartz," 1995) and was probably already experiencing many of the physical symptoms of aging (Zasrow & Kirst-Ashman, 1997, p. 546-555). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, resulting in the gradual paralysis of the limb, respiratory, and bulbar muscles (Foley, Timonen, & Hardiman,...
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