Assignment Task:
Write a 5-7 page final report for Derek or Meredith's defense attorney.
Introduction:
Forensic psychologists may do assessments for either the prosecution or defense. Once an assessment has been completed, a written report is commonly used to communicate the forensic psychologist's conclusion. It may include items like potential origins of the behaviors (both biological and environmental, speaking to the classic nature versus nurture argument in psychology), current manifestations of the behavior and potential diagnosis, assessment approach, and other ethical or demographic considerations related to the case. In Assessment 3, you will continue reviewing the case you explored in Assessment 2 and apply your knowledge and skills related to assessment and ethics to provide a final report.
Preparation
- Review the case study you chose (Derek or Meredith) from the Criminal Offenders: Case Studies media piece. (down below)
- Review the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for:
o Depressive disorders.
o Bipolar and related disorders.
o Anxiety disorders.
o Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.
- In the Capella library, locate three peer-reviewed journal articles:
o At least one article on the mental health disorder.
o At least one article on the assessment you chose.
Instructions:
Write and submit a 5-7 page report summarizing Derek's or Meredith's diagnosis and its influence on their behavior.
In your paper, include the following:
1. State the disorder Derek or Meredith show signs of having.
o Reference the DSM-5-TR when you do this, and specifically state how they meet the diagnostic criteria for that disorder.
o This discussion should be approximately one page.
2. Describe the mental health assessment you chose. Discuss the assessment's validity and reliability.
o Be sure to demonstrate how this assessment is appropriate for your case study.
o This discussion should be approximately one page.
3. Discuss the possible biological, developmental, behavioral, situational, and protective factors that may explain or cause the behaviors in the case study.
o This discussion should be approximately one to two pages.
4. Discuss ethical considerations related to assessing this client and provide examples.
o This discussion should be approximately one page.
5. Review the crime as described in Criminal Offenders: Case Studies and describe how the disorder influenced the commission of the crime.
o This discussion should be approximately one to two pages.