Discussion - COLLAPSE

Evaluating the DSM-5

The DSM-5 states that the "DSM-5 is designed to better fill the needs of clinicians, patients, families, and researchers for a clear and concise description of each mental disorder organized by explicit diagnostic criteria, supplemented, when appropriate, by dimensional measures that cross diagnostic boundaries, and a brief digest of information about the diagnosis, risk factors, associated features, research advances, and various expressions of the disorder" (p. 5). You will be using these diagnostic descriptions and categories throughout this course in order to make diagnoses, and you will continue to refer to them as a mental health professional. In this Assignment, you will look at a general overview of the DSM.

To prepare:

• Review this week's readings in the DSM-5.
• Keep in mind the stated purpose of the DSM.
• Consider the organization of the classifications and any possible biases with respect to the position of certain disorders.
• Note whether or not the classifications are easy to follow and the appendices easy to navigate.
• Consider potential strengths and limitations of the DSM-5.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post an explanation of what you perceive to be two strengths and two limitations of the DSM-5 and why you consider each as such. Also, explain how and when you might use the DSM-5 in your practice and the ways you can circumvent its limitations.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Discussion - Application: Diagnosis of "A Native American Elder"

"Red" is the name you might use to describe a wide variety of colors-from crimson to magenta to pink. It is a convenient label, but it might not be specific enough in all cases. Similarly, a principle diagnosis is a label for a complex set of complaints a client presents. It is a classification that also aids in administrative functions such as completing insurance claims and determining treatment options; however, below the surface, individuals with the same diagnosis usually are quite different.

To prepare:

• Review this week's Learning Resources.
• Focus on pages 106-134 of Abnormal Psychology.

The assignment: (1-2 pages)

• Construct a diagnosis for the case "Depression in a Native American Elder" described on page 11 of your text.
• Be sure to fully justify the diagnosis with appropriate references to the Learning Resources, and include necessary descriptors.
• Explain any additional information that might be significant to the assessment, treatment, and welfare of this client.

Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.

Attachment:- Assignment.rar