Discussion - Dissociative Disorders
For some time, criminal defendants and their attorneys have attempted to introduce mental health issues into the court setting. Indeed, the legal system has recognized that certain behaviors, prompted by mental health diagnoses, need to be taken into account when dealing with a defendant. Arguably, no diagnosis given in this area is more controversial than dissociative disorders. Many defendants, with little success, have attempted to use dissociative symptoms in hopes of mitigating their responsibility of alleged criminal wrongdoing. Therefore, it is especially important to know this area of disorders and how they are diagnosed.
To prepare:
Consider the challenges dissociative disorders might present to a forensic psychology professional in a legal setting.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post a comparison (similarities and differences) of dissociative identity disorder and one other dissociative disorder. Highlight the difference between the disorders in a way that allows you to accurately distinguish between the two when making a diagnosis. Then explain challenges dissociative disorders might present to forensic psychology professionals when introduced in a legal setting.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.
Application: Diagnosis of a "Peeping Tom"
In the Learning Resources for this week, you saw-as you did with more general definitions of normal and abnormal behavior-that it is difficult to define abnormality where sexuality is concerned; however, some sexual behaviors are deemed to be illegal and, if caught, the individuals who feel compelled to engage in such sexual behaviors can be arrested. As a forensic psychology professional, you will need to understand how to properly diagnose such disorders. This week's Application Assignment will help you better understand how to do so.
To prepare:
- Review this week's Learning Resources.
- Review and focus on the case study for "Peeping Tom" on page 429 of Abnormal Psychology.
- Reflect on how your own biases might affect your ability to diagnosis various sexual deviant behaviors.
The Assignment: (1-2 pages)
- Complete a diagnosis for "Peeping Tom."
- Provide specific supporting information.
- Explain social issues that should be addressed and why, and briefly describe any additional information that might be significant to the diagnosis and assessment of this individual.
- Briefly describe any difficulties you might have in assessing or diagnosing this individual, and any background issues or biases you might have that would contribute to making this a challenging case to assess or diagnose.
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