PSYCH ∙ Ms. Wiley ∙ Psychological Disorders Assignment, D___
Name:
Background Information on Psychological Disorders: A psychological disorder, also known as a mental disorder, is a pattern of
behavioral or psychological symptoms that impact multiple life areas and/or create distress for the person experiencing these
symptoms. It is estimated that aside from people with substance abuse problems, 23 percent of people in the U.S. experience some
type of psychological disorder in their lifetime.
The classification and diagnosis is an important concern for both mental health providers and mental health clients. While there is
no single, definitive definition of mental disorders, a number of different classification and diagnostic criteria have emerged.
Clinicians utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR), published by the American Psychiatric
Association, to determine whether a set of symptoms or behaviors meets the criteria for diagnosis as a psychological disorder. The
International Classification of Diseases (ICD-16), published by the World Health Organization, is also frequently used.
While some people may avoid seeking a diagnosis out of fear of social stigma, getting a diagnosis is an essential part of finding an
effective treatment plan. A diagnosis is not about applying a label to a problem, it is about discovering solutions, treatments and
information related to the problem.
Task: In this assignment, you will become an expert on your assigned psychological disorder and create a PowerPoint that
comprehensively summarizes and analyzes the current research on the disorder. Some members of the class will present this
PowerPoint (those that did not present their survey findings).

Conducting Research:
Consult credible sources (at least 5) and maintain a bibliography.
Content to cover:
 How is the disorder defined?
 What are the symptoms?
 What is the effect on the brain?
 What is the cause?
 Explore psychological views (how do different psychologists explain it) vs. biological views (heredity, genes)
 If it’s contested, what do you think is the primary cause? Why?
 What are some relevant stats/current events?
 How common is the disorder in America vs. the world?
 Is it currently under-reported?
 What is its effect on others (like family)?
 What treatment(s) exists? How successful has it been?

Building your PowerPoint:
 Answer all research questions and any other relevant points that may pertain to your disorder.
 Your bibliography should be the final slide of the PowerPoint.
 Aesthetics: Use font size 26 or larger, avoid excessive color (sometimes that makes it difficult to read on the screen),
and include relevant pictures.
 Email your PowerPoint to Ms. Wiley by ___________________________. Do NOT send your file via Google docs.

Preparing for your Presentation (IF you were assigned to present):
 Practice presenting your PowerPoint—be sure you can make eye contact with the audience and explain your findings
with ease. If you struggle with presentations and would like some additional help getting ready, please see Ms. Wiley
for recommendations.
 Your presentation should be at least 10 minutes long and should be engaging!
 Presentations will begin on ___________________________.
Disorders Project Scoring Guide


PowerPoint (15)



Advanced (15-14)
Strong summary and
analysis of disorder
Comprehensive
understanding achieved
Highly credible sources
used
Clear and
understandable
PowerPoint slides and
presentation
If presenting: postures,
gestures and eye
contact enhance
presentation;
presentation engages
audience





Proficient (13-11)
Proficient summary and
analysis of disorder
Some research questions
not fully or adequately
understood/explained
Credible sources used
PowerPoint and
presentation are
understandable but
could provide greater
clarity
If presenting: adequate
postures, gestures and
eye contact;
presentation somewhat
engages audience
Self-Evaluation: _______ / x 2 = _______ / 30
Disorders:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Anxiety disorders (brief overview of several, then focus on one)
Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (an anxiety disorder)
Dissociative identity disorder (formerly called multiple personality disorder)
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Substance-related and addictive disorders (brief overview of several; then focus on one)
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (neurodevelopmental disorder)
Autism (neurodevelopmental disorder)
Mental retardation/intellectual disability (neurodevelopmental disorder)
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Narcolepsy
Insomnia
Schizoid personality disorder OR Antisocial disorder
Depersonalization disorder
Needs Improvement (10-0)
 Insufficient summary
and analysis of disorder
 May be missing one or
more requirements
 Some sources used are
not credible OR missing
bibliography
 If presenting: postures,
gestures and eye
contact detract from
presentation;
presentation may not
hold the attention of the
audience
Presentation Chart:
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