Reference no: EM132671043
PSYC 422 Abnormal Psychology - Ferris State University
Diagnostic Evaluation Paper:
Using Diagnostic Paper Outline as a guide, you will write a diagnostic evaluation report of the same fictional character from your outline (who must be from a well-known movie, book, or television program that has a diagnosis covered in the class).
IMAGINE THAT THE CHARACTER HAS LEFT THE MOVIE/BOOK/SHOW AND WALKED INTO YOUR CLINICAL OFFICE. HOW WOULD HE/SHE RESPOND TO YOUR QUESTIONS? Please write the final report in a narrative format, using complete sentences, NOT bullet points.
The outline is below; please label each section of the paper as the outline suggests and address all of the outline information. The paper must conform to APA standards in citations, references, and formatting (though no abstract is needed). Papers should be 4-6 pages. It is up to you to choose a case with enough complexity to fulfill the length requirement. All citations must be fully referenced. Do not reference what you did not cite. Please refer to the current edition of the American Psychological Association Publication Manual for further information on APA citations.
Diagnostic Evaluation Guidelines
Please follow the outline format very closely on your final paper.
Please use the major headings in your paper and address all of the components for each section.
If you do not have the information in question, you can state that you are not aware of the client''s current status regarding that area (though you should not write that very often).
If the book, movie, or TV show does not provide you with much information about your character, it may be wise to select a character from another source that provides more detail.
It is also permissible to take some creative license and fill in the blanks if you feel it will bring your character to life.
For this reason, I ask that you only choose fictional (not real) characters. Please do not choose a book/show/movie that portrays a real person''s life, alive or deceased.
While it is helpful to report some information about the client''s family and friends, please avoid the mistake of over-analyzing a family member. Keep the focus on the client.
I DO NOT need a plot summary. Only share what is relevant to the client''s diagnosis and DO NOT start detailing what happened in the movie. I should feel like I am reading about a real person you met, not about a movie or show.
Please follow APA format. Cite sources. Provide a reference page. Double-space. Etc.
I will be looking to see that you incorporated feedback from the outline on your final paper.
Please use the following outline to write your paper. Maintain the headings and order of information but change your bullet points into a narrative format.
Demographic Information:
Age
Sex
Race/Ethnicity
Culture
Religion
Marital/Relationship status
Any other pertinent information, but keep this section somewhat short and to-the-point. You will elaborate later.
Current Problems/Presenting Problems:
Provide a thorough account of why the client came to see you and/or was brought to you by friends/family. Detail will help here (but do not do a plot summary).
Problematic symptoms
Frequency of symptoms (how often do they occur?)
Duration of symptoms (how long have they been present?
The severity of symptoms (how severe are they?)
Symptom triggers (do certain events or situations seem to trigger the symptoms
Social and Occupational History:
Information on the family of origin, including ethnic/cultural information - where did the client grow up? Who did the client live with? Were parents married/separated/estranged? Any siblings? Strong ties with Grandparents? Etc.
General information on childhood
Traumatic events
History of abuse
Notable events
Occupational history
Current employment
Past employment
Employment struggles/successes
Educational history
Highest level of education achieved
Educational struggles/successes
Current family constellation
General information on spouse/partner (remember to focus on your client''s symptoms. You are only diagnosing one person; report whatever you think may be impacting your client)
General information on children and close family members
Is the client satisfied with the current family situation?
Psychiatric History
Provide a history of mental health diagnoses before when you met the client as well as any treatment received
Include a family history of psychiatric conditions in this section (if no history state that there is no family history
Medical History
Not all medical conditions the client has (these are conditions that are not psychiatric, such as diabetes)
Especially for conditions that might impact mental functioning, provide details about treatment, prognosis, etc. For example, is the client managing their diabetes well?
Diagnostic Summary
First, summarize the information you obtained in your report in 1-2 paragraphs (hint: focus on what most directly connects to your diagnosis.
Explain each diagnosis you made and why
Specifically, a list of which criteria from the DSM the client meets.
Explain any other diagnoses you considered and explain why you ultimately ruled them out
Provide a brief prognosis - is this treatable? Will the client have a good quality of life?
Provide a brief treatment plan
What type of therapy would be beneficial?
Would you refer this client to a psychiatrist for medication?
Does this client need to be hospitalized immediately?