For this brief written assignment, you will be researching a single disorder, including its history across the multiple iterations of the DSM and current directions in research and treatment of that particular disorder. The purpose of this assignment is to gain greater familiarity with the conceptualization and classification of psychological disorders and to understand the socially constructed and evolving nature of diagnostic categories.
To get started, select one of the following disorders to research:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Gender Dysphoria
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Paraphilic Disorders (select one specific disorder and discuss the evolution of the category broadly)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Schizophrenia
Sexual Dysfunctions (select one)
Substance Use Disorder
Section One: Current Diagnostic Criteria
For the first section of your assignment, introduce your chosen disorder and describe (do not simply list) the current DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for the disorder you selected. Comment upon criteria that may be controversial or that may overlap with another disorder (i.e., differential diagnosis).
TIP: Access the full DSM-5 online through the ASU Libraries here:
https://dsm-psychiatryonline-org.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/doi/epdf/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
(after the page loads, click the gray ‘OPEN’ button)
Section Two: History
Our understanding of, and the criteria for, each of the disorders listed above have undergone significant revision over the past few decades. Using resources available to you through the ASU Libraries (e.g., current and past editions of the DSM, scholarly journal articles, credible websites), research how the criteria for the disorder you selected has evolved over time.
In this second section of your write-up, summarize the following:
when the disorder was first introduced within the DSM classification system (some may have been labeled with a different name altogether)
changes in diagnostic criteria across versions of the DSM based on new knowledge and cultural norms
any notable controversies over the diagnostic criteria or the diagnosis itself
Section Three: Current Directions in Research and Treatment
In the third section of your write-up, retrieve and discuss at least one peer-reviewed journal article published within the last five years that makes a significant contribution to how we understand the disorder, its diagnosis, or its treatment.
For example, the article might be a recent study that elucidates our understanding of the disorder’s causes or characteristics, it may be an article proposing a new instrument (questionnaire or otherwise) to test someone for the disorder, or it may be a report on a new treatment or evaluation of an existing treatment. Peruse several studies before selecting one to discuss that seems truly significant, even groundbreaking.
Tip: For a primer (or refresher) on peer-reviewed journal articles, see the following video clip and ASU Libraries tutorial. Reference librarians are invaluable resources as well; do not be afraid to ask for assistance!
What is a Scholarly Journal Article?
ASU Libraries Peer-Reviewed Journal Tutorial https://www.asu.edu/lib/tutorials/peer-reviewed/
Section Four: Conclusion
Conclude your write-up by briefly highlighting the key points of the preceding sections, summarizing the history and current status of the disorder along with recent developments found in the literature.
Formatting
The body of your paper (excluding references) should be very brief, approximately 2 to 4 pages double-spaced. For each of the sections described below, you may choose to include headings if you wish. Cite all sources and format your paper according to APA guidelines. A cover page and abstract are NOT required for this brief assignment, but you are expected to adhere to APA formatting with regard to margins, typeface, spacing, and in-text citations. Also include a properly formatted References page. For assistance with formatting, refer to the POWC Writing Center, OWL Guide website, and/or the most current APA Publication Manual (6th ed.)
Scoring Rubric Criterion:
Reviews current diagnostic criteria clearly and completely
Addresses the history of the selected disorder
(i.e., date introduced in DSM, changes in criteria, controversies)
Discusses at least one significant peer-reviewed article, published within the last 5 years, regarding conceptualization or treatment of the disorder
Concludes with a summary of key points
Writing is clear and error-free (spelling, grammar, punctuation)
APA in-text citations are included and appropriately formatted
APA references are included and appropriately formatted
by
