Question: Many individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorders created significant work that had a lasting impact on their field. Each student will conduct a case analysis project on an individual with a mental illness who fits into this category. The case analysis should examine the social context in which the individual lived, his or her diagnosis and treatment (or lack of treatment), and the impact, if any, that the disorder and treatment had on the person. Topics to address include but are not limited to the individual's work, professional reputation, social life, and public disclosure of the illness if applicable. Be sure to examine each of these topics in the context of the individual's mental illness. Use this project as an opportunity to discover and describe the impact of multiple complex factors (e.g., politics, economics, prevailing notions about mental illness) on the life and work of one individual.
This case analysis should similar in breadth and depth to the one described above and should examine the social context in which the individual lived, his or her diagnosis and treatment (or lack of treatment), and the impact, if any, that the disorder and treatment had on the person. Topics to address include but are not limited to the individual's early life, detailed accounts of their crimes, sentencing (if any). Be sure to examine each of these topics in the context of the individual's mental illness.
As a bonus, students can earn up to 15 extra points on this project by incorporating 1-2 pages (additional) describing the neurological mechanism of their individual's mental illness. This portion should include the function of neurotransmitters in the brain, as well as specific structural and functional characteristics of the brain.
The papers should include a works cited page with 3-4 sources (5-6 if completing the bonus portion) cited in APA format. The sources used should be as credible as possible. Use your own judgement or send me a link if you think that the source may be suspect.
Please be sure to incorporate the diathesis stress model into your discussion.