Adam: a case study of a young person's journey through madness

This case study of a 15-year-old boy diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder considers some of the biological, psychological, social and familial factors that precipitated and perpetuated his mental health problems. His mental health difficulties are considered using anti-psychiatry theories to take into account that his family's construction of "normal" would be considered pathological by others. The impact of labelling a person as a "difficult" client is examined and staff's attitudes (and subsequent behaviour) towards such service users are considered. Despite his immersion in a world of "madness" this young person managed to use the therapeutic interventions that were offered to him in an adolescent unit and he emerged from his mania remarkably intact. The impact of parental mental illness on children and young people is discussed in this case study and some recommendations are made for future practice.