ASSIGNMENT - Abnormal Psychology

Directions: Be sure to save an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to Ashworth College for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling, and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be four (4) double-spaced pages; refer to the "Format Requirements" page located at the beginning of this learning guide for specific format requirements.

Most psychologists today agree that it is important to look at the biological, psychological, and social factors that are involved with the etiology and treatment of mental disorders. The Diathesis-Stress model proposes that genetic and/or psychological vulnerabilities, combined with individual or environmental stressors, leads to distress and/or dysfunction and the possible development of psychological disorders.

For this assignment, you will select two of the disorders we have discussed in Lessons 2, 3, and 4 (e.g. generalized anxiety disorder, anorexia nervosa, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, etc.) and discuss the following.

1. Symptomology - Give a thorough description of the specific characteristics of two (2) disorders.

2. Etiology - Discuss the etiology of the disorders from a diathesis-stress model perspective.  Include biological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to the development of the disorder. 

3. Treatment - Describe two (2) treatment approaches for each disorder.