Senioritis Project

AP Psychology
DSM Criteria for Senioritis


"Senioritis: We'd fight for a cure, but we're just too lazy."
Your group’s task is to create a DSM V (it isn’t written yet) criteria and diagnosis for the serious mental affliction known as Senioritis. You must follow the criteria that I have outlined for you and write it up.

Bonus for DVD or some type of video!

Classify the disorder as one of the following:

Anxiety Disorder
Childhood Disorder
Eating Disorder
Mood Disorder
Personality Disorder
Psychotic Disorder
Substance-Related Disorder
Other Disorder


Part 1:
Type up the following information for your DSM V entry under the following headings as worded.(3 points ea = 27 points) (Make a visual!)
1. Diagnostic Features (a general description of the disorder and its symptoms)
2. Associated disorders. (other disorders that may come with it)
3. Specific culture, age and gender features (does it happen in other cultures where it is considered normal?)
4. Duration (how long does a person have symptoms before it is clinically diagnosed?
5. Specific Symptoms (observable examples of behavior)
6. Prevalence (who has it? % statistics- get some REAL data!)
7. Course (when does it first appear usually? Does it go away? Can it come back?)
8. Subtypes (specify type of Senioritis) of the disorder with a specific name and criteria. (ex- Senioritis Ditching)
9. Diagnostic Criteria (what symptoms define it and what it is NOT – ex. Can’t be caused by an illness) (place as a list in a text box for quick and easy reference)

Use the following website or an actual DSM IV-R for examples and wording:
http://www.psychologynet.org/dsm.html

Part 2: (5 Points ea. = 40 points)
Patient case study and diagnosis:
Author a case study that goes into detail about the individual’s life and the symptoms of the disorder. Include the following: (video interview???) You may only do a fictional account due to the fact that you are not trained to make an actual diagnosis. If you tell someone that they have depression- the self fulfilling prophecy may take over!

Age/Gender/Occupation (5)
Social functioning (family/friends/co-wokers) (5)
Complete Internet mental health quality of life scale. (5)
Complete a 5 Axis Diagnosis on your patient. (25)
Axis 1- clinical senioritis diagnosis
Axis 2- personality disorders if any
Axis 3- relevant medical conditions
Axis 4- checklist of life’s problems (social, occupational, family, etc)
Axis 5- 100 point global assessment of functioning. (GAF)

Part 3: (20 Points)
Therapy:
Diagnose the patient with the disorder and come up with an ECLECTIC therapy to rid the symptoms. Show the therapy being done- video? Script? Performance?(Choose 2 of 5)

Biological: If you design a drug- you need to explain SPECIFICALLY how it is processed in the brain (location, Neurotransmitters, agonist, antagonist- do research!)
Behavioral- systematic desensitization, aversive therapy, etc.
Cognitive- show conversation with person. How will you change the WAY they think. (thought stopping, etc.)
Humanistic- active listening, self actualization
Psychodynamic- hypnosis, free association, dream analysis
Alternative- some alternative therapy you find.


Tips for a GREAT project:
Pictures and real-life examples of patient. Interviews are great! Written ok- audio ok, video ok!!! Mental disorders are something you have to SEE to understand. Make that happen!!! Creativity is key- have fun!!! The hard stuff is over!!! Good job! This is worth 100 points- with bonus possible for excellent work. (DVD, CD, website, video)


Due June 1st for 2nd and 6th Periods!!
Due June 2nd for 3rd Period!!