In this project, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following competencies:
Describe various diagnoses of psychological disorders
Explain the contributions and limitations of various methods of assessment of psychological conditions
Compare various treatment approaches
Scenario
With graduation on the near horizon, Jamal is excited about completing his psychology degree. He is anticipating a highlight of his academic journey; the Psychology Department has asked Jamal and a few of his peers to engage in a panel presentation that will spotlight their knowledge on a topic relevant to abnormal psychology. Jamal is honored to have been asked to participate in the presentation and hopes to use this opportunity to add some valuable artifacts to his career ePortfolio.
As Jamal prepares the content of his presentation, he considers the role of research and practice in mental health. Likewise, Jamal considers the various biomedical and psychological approaches to treating psychological disorders, including the ethical factors that impact treatment. In addition, he considers the ways in which social support can promote education and awareness about psychological disorders. Lastly, Jamal considers the many ways in which we can enhance compassion and empathy for people who struggle with psychological disorders and perhaps help to humanize (and normalize) aspects of abnormal behavior.
For this project, Jamal and you will present your essay. Your Module Five Milestone, along with your reading assignments, will support your essay.
Supporting Materials
Module Five Milestone: Refer to your milestone and milestone feedback before completing your project.
Psychology Research Guide: This resource was created to help you find psychology related content.
Textbook: Abnormal Psychology, “DSM-5 Quick Guide” begins on p. XV: This resource outlines the various psychological topics that you have encountered in this course.
Purdue OWL: This resource is provided to assist you with referencing resources according to APA standards.
Directions
Bipolar Disorder is the psychological disorder
Support your answers with credible sources when appropriate and address the rubric criteria listed below in your essay.
Introduction
Biopolar Disorder is psychological disorder that is of interest to you.
Discuss the biological, psychological, and/or social relevance of examining this disorder.
Provide a overview of the clinical attributes of this disorder (e.g., diagnostic features, prevalence rates, biopsychosocial impacts).
Provide a brief overview of the points that you will address in your essay.
Consider using the below following subject headings to structure your essay. Get your audience excited about your topic!
As suggested in the Shapiro Library FAQ resource linked in Supporting Materials, use the following tips in creating your essay:
Part One: Biopsychosocial Considerations
Discuss the biological (e.g., neuroanatomical, neuroendocrine) correlates of the disorder.
Discuss the psychological (e.g., cognitive, affective) correlates of the disorder.
Discuss the social (e.g., interpersonal) correlates of the disorder.
Explain the implications of cultural variation on the assessment of
the disorder.
Explain the implications of cultural variation on the treatment of the disorder.
Discuss the role of the community in promoting access to treatment for the disorder.
Part Two: Diagnostic/Evaluative Considerations
Explain the strengths and limitations of the clinical assessments designed to evaluate the disorder.
Discuss challenges related to reliability and validity in the assessment of the disorder.
Explain the concept of diagnosis by exclusion, using the selected disorder as an example.
Articulate how assessments contribute to diagnosis by exclusion.
Explain the relationship between the publication process of the DSM, the contribution of research in mental health, and the practice of clinicians.
Part Three: Therapeutic Considerations
Explain the strengths and limitations of various therapeutic approaches designed to treat the disorder.
Discuss the relevance of non-pharmacological (e.g., complementary/alternative) approaches in the treatment of the disorder.
Discuss the balance between “do no harm” and duty to treat.
Conclusion
Summarize the most relevant takeaways of your essay.
Discuss the attributes of the disorder (e.g., biopsychosocial, diagnostic, therapeutic) that you want your audience to remember most.
In what ways does the information you’ve shared enhance what we know about the disorder?
In what ways does the content that you’ve shared contribute to our biological, psychological, and/or social well-being?
