Week 9: 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-TR: 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.
This week, you will analyze issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of dissociative disorders as well as associated legal and ethical considerations.
Assignment: Controversy Associated With Dissociative Disorders
The DSM-5-TR 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-TR, 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. Assignment: Dissociative Disorders and Controversy
The DSM-5-TR is a diagnostic instrument. It has evolved over time, as have the classifications and criteria contained within its pages. However, it is used for more than just diagnosis; it is also used for billing, access to services, and legal cases. Dissociative disorders are one area where not all practitioners agree on the content and structure of the DSM-5-TR. These conditions can be difficult to differentiate and diagnose. There is also debate in the field about the validity of certain dissociative disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder.
In this Assignment, 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.
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To Prepare
• Review this week’s Learning Resources on dissociative disorders.
• Use the Walden Library to investigate the controversy regarding dissociative disorders. Locate at least three scholarly articles that you can use to support your Assignment.
The Assignment (2–3 pages)
• Explain the controversy that surrounds dissociative disorders.
• Explain your professional beliefs about dissociative disorders, supporting your rationale with at least three scholarly references from the literature.
• Explain strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship with a client that may present with a dissociative disorder.
• Finally, explain ethical and legal considerations related to dissociative disorders that you need to bring to your practice and why they are important.
RUBRIC
In 2–3 pages, address the following:
• Explain the controversy that surrounds dissociative disorders.
The response includes an accurate and concise explanation of the controversy within the field related to dissociative disorders.
• Explain your professional beliefs about dissociative disorders, supporting your rationale with at least three scholarly references from the literature.
The response includes a thorough and well-organized explanation of the student’s professional beliefs about dissociative disorders. Rationale demonstrates critical thinking and is strongly supported with three scholarly references.
Explain strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship with a client that may present with a dissociative disorder.
The response includes an accurate and concise explanation of strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship with a client that may present with adissociative disorder.
Finally, explain ethical and legal considerations related to dissociative disorders that you need to bring to your practice and why they are important.
The response includes an accurate and concise explanation of ethical and legal considerations related to dissociative disorders that are important to clinical practice and why they are important.
Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization:
Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused—neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction are provided that delineate all required criteria.
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity.
A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion are provided that delineate all required criteria.
