Disorders Project Description:
Each person is assigned a specific psychological disorder that they will research and present on.
In addition, as part of the learning process, each person will present a case vignette of an
individual who displays the symptoms and behaviors of the disorder. A representation of a
disorder is one of the best tools in helping us better understand what a disorder may look like or
how it may be expressed
Objectives:
The purpose of this activity is to assist students in better understanding psychological disorders.
At the end of the task you should be able to:
1. Identify the etiology of the assigned disorder
2. Identify the specific diagnostic criteria of the assigned disorder
3. Comment on current treatment for the assigned disorder
4. Provide clinical examples/case vignettes of the assigned disorder
5. Find a creative way to express this information
At the end of the task, you will be able to complete the following tasks:
1. Identify and research the multiple factors that contribute to a disorder
2. Use the DSM-V (TR) to identify the diagnostic criteria for disorders
3. Understand case vignettes, containing the history and current symptoms, as a learning tool
Step 1: Research the history and causes of the disorder and record findings in your notebook or
note cards This will include the factors that contribute to the development using an Integrative
Model. That is, factors that need to be included are biological, psychological, and
social/environmental factors. Current research must also be presented to include a research
article no earlier than 2002.
Step 2: Research the specific criteria needed to diagnosis an individual with a disorder, based on
the DSM-V (TR) criteria and record findings in your notebook. Additionally, you will need to
include the symptoms that will be expressed by the disorder. That is, you will include the
behaviors and interactions that an individual with the disorder will demonstrate. Current
research must also be presented to include a research article no earlier than 2002.
Step 3: Create a one page fact sheet presenting project objectives 1-3. Fact sheet should be
organized with the intent for classmates to use to study for the final. Typed in Times New
Roman 12 Font. Printed Current research must also be presented to include a research article no
earlier than 2002.
Step 4: Case Vignette 1- Create a fictitious individual with the disorder. You will need to
identify the biographical history of the client, including factors that you think might have
contributed to the disorder. Along with the history, you will need to include current symptoms
and/or behaviors that client is displaying. Current research must also be presented to include a
research article no earlier than 2002 that discuss current treatment methods or potential future
treatment methods for the disorder.
Step 5: Case Vignette 2- Identify an actual individual with the disorder. You will need to
research the biographical history of the client, including factors that you think might have
contributed to the disorder. Along with the history, you will need to include current symptoms
and/or behaviors that client is displaying. Current research must also be presented to include a
research article no earlier than 2002 that discuss current treatment methods or potential future
treatment methods for the disorder.
Final outcome
a. The final goal of the project is to find a creative way to express this information. Think
broadly, creatively. Consider a project from the list or come up with one of your own.
(100 points)
- Children’s book w/ illustrations
- Video
- Play/script for a play
- Discussion of song lyrics and how they identify symptoms of a disorder
- Fictional story
- Monologue from the perspective of a sufferer/script of the same monologue
- Board/trivia game
- Comic book/graphic novella
b. Bibliography required- 4 to 6 resources Printed (20 points)
c. One page fact sheet presenting project objectives 1-3 that is organized for classmates to
use to study for the final. Typed in Times New Roman 12 Font. Printed(25 points)
d. Two Vignettes, each typed in Times New Roman 12 font double spaced; printed (1-3
pages) (see directions in steps 4 and 5)
e. Productive use of class time and meeting the due dates for the different parts of the
project. Research shown in notebook or note cards. Points will be deducted from projects
as needed.
Assessment of Project
Rubric will be provided to explain the assessment and points of the written component,
presentation components of the project, and your use of time during the class
Topic Choice Examples
1. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
8. Gender Identity Disorder
2. Panic Disorder
3. Phobias (general and then choose 2 specific)
4. Schizophrenia
5. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
9. Major Depressive Disorder
6. Antisocial Personality Disorder
10. Borderline Personality Disorder
7. Bipolar Disorder
11. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Your final choice of disorder is due Tuesday May 12, 2015