Deaf client with bipolar illness: A case report

Abstract

Background: This case report highlights the diagnostic and assessment difficulties faced by mental health professionals when dealing with a Deaf client. Case presentation: We used mobile phone text facility to monitor and liaise with the client while in the community. We focused on the affect and signing amplitude/intensity of the client to make a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, prescribed valproate semisodium, and noticed an improvement in two months. Conclusion: This is an example of some areas of good practice when assessing a Deaf client with mental health problems. © 2007 Gupta and Caddy; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.