Psychological Disorder Paper

Outline for the paper.

The paper will focus on a disorder that we will be studying in class.  APA style must be used for the paper, i.e. for the cover page, margins, spacing, and references.  The paper can be conceptualized as being in two parts, a factual portion, and a second part that is more subjective.

Begin the paper by documenting the symptoms of the disorder.  You must include criteria from the DSM-5, but also including information from ICD-10 will enhance your paper (and your grade).  Use a narrative and not a list format to document the symptoms.  Be sure to identify any conditions that should be met to meet the criteria for a disorder.  Comparing and contrasting information from ICD-10 and DSM-5 will also enhance your grade.

Identify the prevalence and demographics of the disorder.  How prevalent is the disorder, is there a gender difference, are there age differences, socio-economic differences, are there cultural or geographical differences? Is the disorder present the same throughout the world, or does the presentation differ by culture?

Write about the neurobiological understanding of the disorder.  What brain structures, neurotransmitters, hormones, genetics or biological structures have been identified as being associated with the disorder.

Document one pharmacological treatment, with references, and one non-pharmacological treatment (behavior therapy/cognitive/humanistic), with references.  Your best option for your grade it to identify one or two original research articles that focus on and supports the efficacy of the treatment.  Identify how the pharmacological treatment works.  Cite how the non-pharmacological treatment works by identifying the theory of the cause of the disorder as well as what interventions are used and why.  Be sure to identify which type of treatment has been found to be most effective, pharmacological, non-pharmacological or a combination of both.  Be sure to cite your sources!

The next part of the paper is more subjective and a thoughtful, logical approach is needed.  This part is somewhat of a persuasive argument, some is your interpretation or opinion.  When making a persuasive argument, you should use the format of, here is my interpretation and here is how I back this up.

In this next section, you will identify and write about the historical presence of the disorder.  Identify the earliest known references to the disorder by citing at least 2 references from historical documents, art, music, television, movies, or literature. Then identify any celebrity, athlete, politician, other famous person who has/had been diagnosed with or come out as stating they were diagnosed with the condition.  You can also use a well-known movie or book where the disorder was a main feature.  Then provide a synopsis of the presentation of the condition for that person (or movie/book).  Identify the historical impact of the individual, movie or book on society or culture.  The more in-depth and detailed histories of the disorder as well as a clear synopsis of an individual and a clear statement about the impact of that person/book/movie will earn you more points.