Vanessa, female, age 12, second generation Latin-American, was brought to counseling by her biological mother, Ms. Sanchez. Ms. Sanchez reported concern about Vanessa's problems in school and her attitude at home. Vanessa is in the 6th grade and is performing poorly academically; her progress report showed D's in social studies, language arts, and science, and a B in math. Ms. Sanchez stated teachers have said for the past three years that Vanessa has difficulty concentrating and gets easily frustrated. Her teacher in fifth grade and two teachers in sixth grade reported that she has thrown her book and pencil to the floor on more than one occasion, she refuses to do work in class, and she frequently does not finish her homework. Last week, she skipped classes and spent the day somewhere at the school. Ms. Sanchez reported Vanessa lies frequently to get out of trouble, lies that her homework is done or that she does not have homework, and makes up stories about events that are not true, both with friends and family members. Ms. Sanchez indicated Vanessa has ruined relationships with two friends in the past two years because of her lying, starting rumors, and saying mean things to her friends. Vanessa has lied to get her 14-year-old sister into trouble so often they do not know when to believe her now. Vanessa has pushed and hit her sister when upset and seems to enjoy teasing her until she, too, is upset. Ms. Sanchez reported that Vanessa is often stealing her older sister's things, so they put locks on the sister's door a few years ago. Vanessa has purposely broken her sister's and her grandmother's items when upset with them. Vanessa has also gotten into her sister's room through her window on several occasions, so they recently put a lock on the window. Ms. Sanchez indicated they have had to put locks on the pantry as well because Vanessa will steal food she likes, then refuse to eat meals. Ms. Sanchez indicated that at home Vanessa talks back to the adults in the home frequently, calls family members horrible names, and refuses to do chores and homework. Ms. Sanchez indicated that her husband works from home and that his parents also live in their basement. Ms. Sanchez indicated that the adults are often not on the same page on how to handle Vanessa. Ms. Sanchez thinks her husband lets Vanessa get away with things, does not follow through with consequences and continues to buy her things to appease her. Ms. Sanchez indicated that Vanessa's grandparents are harsher with Vanessa and often yell out of frustration with Vanessa. Ms. Sanchez indicated that it seems Vanessa sometimes plays the adults against each other. Ms. Sanchez indicated Vanessa seems happy when she is doing what she wants, but if she is asked to stop, she becomes instantly angry and will yell threats at her parents and grandparents. Ms. Sanchez indicated Vanessa threatens to punch them or kill them in their sleep. Ms. Sanchez indicated Vanessa has hit and pushed maternal authority figures, but not Vanessa's grandfather or Ms. Sanchez's husband. Ms. Sanchez indicated they have tried time outs, taking her electronic time away, and even spanking when Vanessa was younger, and nothing seems to work.

I been analyzing the DSM and the emotional and behavioral patterns and how to apply clinical knowledge to diagnose and discuss differential diagnoses for this particular client scenario. Can you explain the emotional and behavioral patterns to diagnose and discuss differential diagnoses for this client? Can you explain the DSM diagnosis and include a rationale for that diagnosis? Can you explain a differential diagnosis and include a rationale for not selecting that diagnosis? Can you also explain any further assessment of the information you would want to gather for diagnosis and treatment planning? Can you also explain environmental and developmental factors impacting the child or adolescent?