Abnormal Psychology – A famous person or character from television

Abnormal Psychology

For this assignment, you will be able to dive deeply into what you have learned in this class by focusing on a character in history and mental disorder. 

Subject

A famous person or character from television, film, literature, or history must be selected. The person does not need to have been diagnosed with a mental disorder, but a strong case should be able to be made for the existence of one. Two papers will be written about this person; thus, choosing someone personally interesexciting and with a well-documented life is advantageous. Possible (unoriginal) ideas for people include Sheldon Cooper, Mort Rainy, John Nash, Monk, Melvin Udal, Karen Carpenter, Marilyn Monroe, van Gogh, and Tyler Durden.

Format

Papers should be three pages maximum (double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins). APA style should be used with regard toabout professional language and proper crediting of sources. Any sources that are used should be cited, and this includes the textbook. Only one quote can be used in the paper.

Sections

Part 1: Case history. Report on the person’s personal history focusing on the significant factors related to mental disorders. This section focuses on exploring aspects of the person’s life that might relate to the disorder; do not simply write a short biography. Three areas must be covered. One, discuss biological factors such as family history of mental disorders, medical problems, or brain disorders. Two, discuss psychological factors such as personality, unconscious conflict, cognitive styles, defense mechanisms, learning experiences, or psychological trauma. Third, discuss social factors such as family history, social relations, or cultural influences. All three areas need to be covered, and exemplary papers will include more than one factor in each area (e.g., personality and learning in the psychological area rather than just personality). If there is no information on an area location, the reason for this omission must be stated explicitly.

Part 2: Signs and symptoms of mental disorder. Report all of the signs and symptoms of the mental disorder that the person exhibits. Signs and symptoms are found in the DSM criteria for mental disorders in the text. Although it is not necessary to copy DSM criteria exactly, I should be able to identify which criteria the person meets from the description of symptoms. If the person does not meet the required criteria, make a case for why they should still receive the diagnosis. The diagnosis must be comprehensive for all behaviors presented in the paper. If undiagnosed signs and symptoms are presented, explain why that disorder was not diagnosed.

Part 3: Diagnosis. A complete DSM diagnosis should be given to the person. List the diagnosis and how the person meets the criteria. Please pick a specific point in the person’s life to make the diagnosis instead attempting to assign a diagnosis for their whole life