1) Mood disorders: Causes and treatment
a). See Chapter 12 on "Defining Psychological Disorders" and read Section 12. 3 on Mood Disorders: Emotions as Illness.
Given the discussion about the causes of depression and negative moods, what might people do to try to feel better on days that they are experiencing negative moods?
Provide a website for us if you see additional beneficial information for us in this regard.
b). Turn to the chapter on "Treating Psychological Disorders" to gain a perspective on the different treatment options. Discuss one or more treatments for depression or mood disorders based on what you have read.
2) ADHD, Autism and Asperger's: Overdiagnosed?
First, read Chapter 12 "Defining Psychological Disorders", section 12.3 Diagnosis or Overdiagnisis? ADHD, Autistic Disorder and Asperger's Disorder. Next, go the Chapter 13 on "Treating Psychological Disorders", section 13.1, and you will see the Criteria for Diagnosing ADHD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Consider the diagnosis of ADHD, autism, and Asperger's disorder from the biological, personal, and social-cultural perspectives. Do you think that these disorders are overdiagnosed? Why or why not? How might clinicians determine if ADHD is dysfunctional or distressing to the individual?