Diagnosis Paper Instructions

The purpose of the paper is you to think critically about mental health disorders, to obtain an in-
depth understanding of a topic of interest, and to practice using APA referencing style. The paper
will be 6 to 8 double-spaced pages (not including title page or references), with 1-inch
margins and 12-point Times New Roman font and will include a minimum of 2 references. One
of those references must be the DSM-V. The second reference must be a peer-reviewed source
(not a sources like Wikipedia, Verywellmind.com and other random internet sources/websites).
In-text citations and the references section must be in APA format. You may not use direct
quotes from sources – all information must be paraphrased and correctly cited using APA
format.

Psychological disorders are often portrayed in the media, and some portrayals are more accurate
than others. For this option, you will write a critical analysis of a TV, movie, or book character
portraying someone with a psychological disorder (see Blackboard for a list of options). You will
discuss the accuracy of the portrayal in relation to the diagnostic criteria and clinical picture of
the disorder. If the diagnosis is not explicitly stated, you may provide your own diagnostic
opinion by stating which diagnostic criteria the character meets.

Your paper should include:

1. Descriptions of the behavioral, cognitive, and/or emotional symptoms presented by the
character, and a brief review of the diagnostic criteria of the disorder. If the character does
not meet all criteria for a diagnosis, be sure to talk about this. Use the DSM-V in this link or
search through the library.

2. If the character is receiving treatment for their disorder, a critique of the treatment should be
included. If they are not receiving treatment, give your opinion on treatment options and
prognosis.

3. A discussion of the positive and negative implications of this portrayal for the general
audience with respect to understanding mental disorders.

This assignment must be submitted in Word or Pages format (not PDF).

If you’d like, you may turn in a draft by November 15, 2023 to get my feedback. Your final
paper must be submitted on Blackboard by 11:59pm, Eastern time on November 25, 2023.

GRADING RUBRIC FOR DIAGNOSIS PAPER

Description Below Expectations Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations Points

Diagnosis

Does not clearly describe the
symptoms/diagnosis based on
DSM V criteria. Does not tie
symptoms/diagnosis to
specific examples from the
show/movie. Does not
explain why character
does/does not meet criteria.

0 – 2

Some of the symptoms of a
disorder are described based on
some DSM-V criteria. May not
provide direct examples tying
criteria to the character. May
not explain which symptoms
are absent.

6 – 15

Most symptoms of a
disorder are clearly
outlined and described
using DSM-V criteria and
few examples are given of
how the character displays
these symptoms/meets
criteria and/or which
symptoms are absent.
16 – 20

All symptoms of a disorder
are clearly outlined and
described using DSM-V
criteria and sufficient
examples are given of how
character meets or does not
meet criteria.

21 – 25

25

Treatment

Does not mention treatment.

0 – 5

Somewhat touches on
treatment but not grounded on
concepts learned in class or
clinically proven treatments.

6 – 15

Critiques some/parts of
treatment in show/movie
or starts exploring
treatment options, but not
as thoroughly or not based
on learned concepts.

16 – 20

Thoroughly critiques
treatment in show/movie
based on learned concepts or
explores treatment options if
client is not in treatment.

21 – 25

25

Implications

Does not discuss the positive
and negative implications of
character’s portrayal of the
disorder for the general
audience with respect to
understanding mental
disorders.

0 – 5

Brief discussion of the positive
and negative implications of
character’s portrayal of the
disorder with respect to
understanding mental
disorders.

6 – 10

Adequate discussion of the
positive and negative
implications of character’s
portrayal of the disorder
with respect to
understanding mental
disorders.

11 – 15

Thorough discussion of the
positive and negative
implications of character’s
portrayal of the disorder with
respect to understanding
mental disorders.

16 – 20

20

Writing
Not well-organized; weak
transitions; argument
confusing to follow.
0 – 2

Somewhat well-organized or
good transitions (not both);
argument somewhat confusing.
3 – 5

Mostly well-organized
with good transitions;
argument easily followed.
6 – 8

Very well organized with
solid transitions; argument
easily followed.
9 – 10

10

Format

Missing 3 or more of the
following: Cover page,
reference page, correct use of
APA, double-spaced, 1-inch
margins, 12-point Times New
Roman font.

0 – 2

Missing two of the following:
Cover page, reference page,
correct use of APA, double-
spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-
point Times New Roman font.

3 – 5

Missing one of the
following: Cover page,
reference page, correct use
of APA, double-spaced, 1-
inch margins, 12-point
Times New Roman font.

6 – 8

All the following included:
Cover page, reference page,
correct use of APA, double-
spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-
point Times New Roman
font.

8 – 10

10

Mechanics

Many (10+) grammatical
punctuation, and spelling
errors that significantly
detract from reading the
paper. Basic sentence
structure often includes poor
structure (e.g., run-on
sentences).

0 – 2

Several (5 – 10) grammatical,
punctuation, and/or spelling
errors, but overall they do not
detract too much from reading
the paper. Basic sentence
structure is acceptable (e.g.,
avoids run-on sentences,
sentence structure is solid).

3 – 5

Few (less than 5)
grammatical, punctuation,
and/or spelling errors, but
overall they do not detract
too much from reading the
paper. Basic sentence
structure is acceptable
(e.g., avoids run-on
sentences, sentence
structure is solid).
6 – 8

Grammatical, punctuation,
and spelling errors are RARE
(1 – 2) and do not detract
from reading the paper.
Basic sentence structure is
good (e.g., avoids run-on
sentences, sentence structure
is solid).

8 – 10

10

Total Possible Points 100