Assignment: Conceptualizing Disorders

Assignment: Conceptualizing Disorders

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To prepare for this discussion, please read Chapter 10 of your textbook.  Read “” and browse . You must also utilize the to inform your thinking.  Finally, review Instructor Guidance and Announcements.  In this discussion, you will consider psychological disorders and therapies.  Be sure to use your own and apply appropriately throughout your post.

• Choose a character from a book, television show, or movie who is portrayed as suffering from a psychological disorder.  [Examples: “My Mad Fat Diary”, “The Hunger Games Series”, “Forest Gump”, “Rain Man” (Please do not use these.)]
• Briefly describe the character and his(her) behaviors that lead you to believe they have a disorder.
• Read “”.  Note that many professionals utilize the four “Ds” to determine abnormality:
  • Deviance:  Are the behaviors/feelings deviant?
  • Dysfunction:  Do the behaviors/feelings interfere with the individual’s ability to function in daily life?
  • Distress:  Does the individual experience distress due to the behaviors/feelings?
  • Danger:  Are the behaviors/feelings harmful to the individual or those around him/her?
  • (Some consider a fifth “D”, Duration.).
• Appraise your character and his/her behaviors/feelings for each of the above “Ds”.  Are variations in his/her behaviors/feelings significant enough to constitute a psychological disorder, in your opinion?
• Review the textbook.  After determining a diagnosis that—in your opinion—fits the character’s behaviors/feelings (which may or may not be indicated in the book, television show, or movie), locate additional information about this disorder in the .  Briefly describe the disorder that you think fits your character and explain why.
• Review .  Discuss possible treatment options for this particular disorder.
• Explain how cultural and social diversity might influence perception and experience of this disorder.
• Remember to use your own and apply appropriately throughout your post.

Post your initial response of 250 words or more by Day 3