Homework: Controversy Associated With Dissociative Disorders
Have you ever been driving and realized you don't remember the last few minutes of driving? Or have you gotten so wrapped up in a book or movie that you lose some awareness of your surroundings? These are examples of common and very mild dissociation, or a disconnect or lack of continuity between thoughts, feelings, actions, and sense of self.
There are three major dissociative disorders defined in the DSM-5: dissociative identity disorder, dissociative amnesia, and depersonalization-derealization disorder. Dissociative disorders may be associated with traumatic events in order to help manage difficult memories or experiences. Patients with these types of disorders are likely to also exhibit symptoms of a variety of other dysfunctions, such as depression, alcoholism, or self-harm and may also be more susceptible to personality, sleeping, and eating disorders.
You will analyze issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of dissociative disorders as well as associated legal and ethical considerations.
Learning Objectives
i. Analyze issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of dissociative disorders
ii. Analyze legal and ethical considerations related to dissociative disorders
Instruction
The DSM-5 is a diagnostic tool. It has evolved over the decades, as have the classifications and criteria within its pages. It is used not just for diagnosis, however, but also for billing, access to services, and legal cases. Not all practitioners are in agreement with the content and structure of the DSM-5, and dissociative disorders are one such area. These disorders can be difficult to distinguish and diagnose. There is also controversy in the field over the legitimacy of certain dissociative disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder, which was formerly called multiple personality disorder.
In this Homework, you will examine the controversy surrounding dissociative disorders. You will also explore clinical, ethical, and legal considerations pertinent to working with patients with these disorders.
To Prepare
i. Review this Learning Resources on dissociative disorders.
ii. Use the Walden Library to investigate the controversy regarding dissociative disorders. Locate at least three scholarly articles that you can use to support your Homework.
Task
i. Explain the controversy that surrounds dissociative disorders.
ii. Explain your professional beliefs about dissociative disorders, supporting your rationale with at least three scholarly references from the literature.
iii. Explain strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship with a client that may present with a dissociative disorder.
iv. Finally, explain ethical and legal considerations related to dissociative disorders that you need to bring to your practice and why they are important.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
Reference
• Textbook: Sadock, B. J., Sadock, V. A., & Ruiz, P. (2015). Kaplan & Sadock's synopsis of psychiatry (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
o Chapter 12, "Dissociative Disorders"
i. Osmosis. (2017, November 20). Dissociative disorders - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology [YouTube Video].
ii. Mad Medicine. (2019, August 18). Dissociative disorders (Psychiatry) - USMLE Step 1 [YouTube Video].
iii. Grande, T. (2018, October 22). The dissociative identity disorder controversy (Trauma vs. Iatrogenic). [YouTube Video].