AP Psychology Project:

DSM Criteria for Senioritis

"Senioritis: We'd fight for a cure, but we're just too damn lazy."
Your task is to create a DSM VI(6) (it isnt written yet) criteria and diagnosis for the serious
mental affliction known as Senioritis. You must follow the criteria that I have outlined for
you and write it up.
Classify the disorder as one of the following:
Anxiety Disorder
Childhood Disorder
Eating Disorder
Mood Disorder
Personality Disorder
Psychotic Disorder
Substance-Related Disorder
Other Disorder

Part 1:
Type up the following information for your DSM VI entry under the following headings as worded.(30
points ea. = 300 points) (Make a visual!)
1. Diagnostic Features (clear name or disorder Senioritis / class of disorder (see gray box
above) / a general description of the disorder and its symptoms see DSM for wording)
2. Associated disorders. (other disorders that may come with it)
3. Specific culture, age and gender features (does it happen in other cultures where it is
considered normal?)
4. Duration (how long does a person have symptoms before it is clinically diagnosed?
5. Specific Symptoms (observable examples of behavior)
6. Prevalence (who has it? % statistics- get some REAL data!)
7. Course (when does it first appear usually? Does it go away? Can it come back?)
8. Subtypes (specify type of Senioritis) of the disorder with a specific name and criteria. (exSenioritis Ditching)
9. Diagnostic Criteria (what symptoms define it and what it is NOT ex. Cant be caused by an
illness) (place as a list in a text box OR TABLE for quick and easy reference)
10. Typed! Include proper spelling, usage, and grammar! Remember, Im also an English
teacher.
Use the following website or an actual DSM IV-R (or
DSM V 2013) for examples and wording also on
class website:
http://www.psychologynet.org/dsm.html

Part 2: (120points)
Patient case study and diagnosis:
Author a case study that goes into detail about the individuals life and the symptoms of the disorder. Include the
following: (video interview???) You may only do a fictional account due to the fact that you are not trained to
make an actual diagnosis. If you tell someone that they have depression- the self fulfilling prophecy may take over!
1. Age/Gender/Occupation (20)
2. Social functioning (family/friends/coworkers) (20)
3. Complete Internet mental health quality of life scale. (30) (The Internet Mental Health Quality of Life Scale is a measure of an
individual's quality of life. It measures social and occupational functioning, mental health, physical health, and progress. This is not a diagnostic program yielding a
psychiatric diagnosis; rather, this scale is a global measure of an individual's overall functioning. A 25% decrease in the Quality of Life Scale total score represents a
significant improvement. / A 25% increase in the Quality of Life Scale total score represents a significant worsening. )

4. Complete a 5 Axis Diagnosis on your patient. (50)

a. Axis 1- clinical senioritis diagnosis
b. Axis 2- personality disorders if any
c. Axis 3- relevant medical conditions
d. Axis 4- checklist of lifes problems (social, occupational, family, etc)
e. Axis 5- 100 point global assessment of functioning. (GAF)

Part 3: (100 Points 50 each)

Therapy:
Diagnose the patient with the disorder and come up with an ECLECTIC therapy to rid the
symptoms. (Choose 2 of 6) You will need to do a little research for this one.
1. Biological: If you design a drug- you need to explain SPECIFICALLY how it is
processed in the brain (location, Nts, agonist, antagonist- do research!)
2. Behavioral- systematic desensitization, aversive therapy, Primack Principle, etc
3. Cognitive- show conversation with person. How will you change the WAY they
think. (thought stopping, etc.)
4. Humanistic- active listening, self actualization
5. Psychodynamic- hypnosis, free association, dream
analysis
6. Alternative- some alternative therapy you find.

Creativity (100 points)- Tips for a GREAT project:

Pictures and real-life examples of patient. Interviews are great! Audio okay & video okay!!! Mental disorders are
something you have to SEE to understand. Compile all of your information in a neat and creative way. Make that
happen!!! Creativity is key- have fun!!! The hard stuff is over!!! Good job! This is worth 100 points- with bonus
possible for excellent work. (DVD, CD, website, video)
This is a group project. Social loafing, diffusion of responsibility - deal with it directly! If they dont want to
participate- cut them loose. Controllers- learn to let go and delegate, communicate, dont procrastinate. Pick your
partners carefully as some may be experiencing the aforementioned affliction!

TOTAL WORTH 620 POINTS

AP Psychology

Rubric- Senioritis Project

Student Name:

Part 1 DSM V entry

Diagnostic features
Associated disorders
Culture, age, gender
Duration
Specific symptoms
Prevalence
Course
Subtypes
Diagnostic criteria text box
Typed/grammar/etc
Part 2 Case
Study/diagnosis
Age/gender/occupation
Social functioning
QOL
Axis 1
Axis 2
Axis 3
Axis 4
Axis 5

Points possible
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30

20
20
30
10
10
10
10
10

Part 3 Therapy
1.
2.

50
50

Creativity & Neatness

100

Total

Points obtained

620

______/620