Example and Hints

Psych3k Chapter 15, Assignment 1

Example:

No example is provided.

Hints:

The purpose of this assignment is to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the modern concept of mental disorders, using appropriate terminology. There is probably more space on the Internet devoted to this topic than almost any other in psychology. I expect that this will continue to be the case.

In your report:
Select any single, specific disorder and find out as much as you can about it. Use the textbook, DSM-IV, Mental Help Net, and/or other reliable source of information. Compare what you read on the web with what the textbook says about that disorder, and with the information about that disorder at Mental Help Net.

Identify the diagnostic category the disorder is in.

Identify the essential features of that disorder. What are the defining symptoms? Does it tend to "run in families" and, if so, how is that explained? Is it mainly a female disorder, a male disorder, or does it appear in both males and females approximately equally?

Explain how it differs from normal behavior. Is it a quantitative (a difference in the amount) or qualitative (a difference in type) difference in symptoms or behaviors?

What kinds of psychologists might treat that disorder? Would a psychotherapist be more likely to use procedures that are based on learning theory, cognitive, biological, sociocultural, humanistic, or psychoanalytic principles?