Adolescent Disorders SU01
Read the Emotional Disorders Case Studies document. Be sure to focus on the symptoms listed in each case study. Then, respond to the following:
- Select two cases and identify which emotional disorder is the most likely the diagnosis (i.e., major depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress, separation anxiety disorder, or panic disorder).
- List the symptoms that led you to decide on each of the diagnoses you choose.
- Describe each diagnosis you choose by listing the symptoms and criteria required for the diagnosis and possible causes of the diagnosis. Explain how the case illustrates the criteria and provide a possible explanation for why that individual has developed that disorder.
- Support your decisions with information from at least two academic sources. Recommended sources include your textbook, the website of BehaveNet and the website of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
- Provide your position on a controversy related to Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (i.e., “Bipolar Disorder for children”).
In the mid-1990s, the description of BP given in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was changed to allow providers to diagnose the disorder in children. Since that time, the diagnosis of BP in children has risen dramatically. Some of those who research the increased frequency of diagnosis of BP in children argue that childhood BP is increasing because it is now being better recognized and identified in children (Biederman et al., 2003). Others argued that the increased frequency of diagnosis is because providers are diagnosing BP too often in children and misdiagnosing it in most cases (Parens & Johnston, 2010). With the DSM-V, the category of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder was added specifically for children under the age of 18 who have bipolar-type symptoms but have not experienced the manic episodes.
Which argument do you support? Provide at least two reasons to support your argument and cite academic sources to justify your position.
