Assignment 1– Topics I: Diagnosis, Etiology, and Intervention
Classification, Assessment, and Diagnosis
Historically, mental illness was defined as qualitatively distinct from mental health. From this
categorical perspective, one either met the diagnostic criteria for a disorder or did not. In recent
times, mental illness has been conceptualized as a quantitative variation from mental health.
☐ From this dimensional perspective, disorders manifest across a continuum, ranging from
psychological health to severe illness. Examine the strengths and limitations of both
classification models. Evaluate the implications for how we conceptualize mental health and
mental illness.
Imagine a psychologist has referred a client to you for counselling, following completion of a
formal evaluation. The client is a 71-year-old Indigenous female who attended residential school,
having completed the 3rd grade. The psychologist informs you that a differential diagnosis is
inconclusive. The client scored statistically-significantly low on the Beck Depression Inventory -
II (BDI-II); however, the client’s scores on two depression-related scales
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(Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction and Demoralization) on the Minnesota Multiphasic
Personality Inventory - 3 (MMPI-3) were statistically-significantly high. Examine how you
might reconcile the apparent incongruence of scores on these two, highly regarded assessment
instruments. Explain how you might more effectively assess this client through a cultural and
ethical lens.
Among the many challenges mental health professionals encounter is discerning a differential
diagnosis, particularly, when clients present with symptoms and problems that overlap across
several diagnoses. Although masters-level counsellors in Canada do not formally diagnose,
knowing the differences between overlapping disorders portends viable treatment planning.
Accordingly, explain how you might endeavour to distinguish between one or both of the two
☐ sets of overlapping disorders: (1) bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and PTSD,
and/or, (2) social anxiety disorder, avoidant personality disorder, an introverted personality style,
and traits of shyness. Consider any interview questions, assessment instruments, and/or
additional information you would need in order to render an accurate distinction.
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Etiology: Theory and Conceptualization
The biopsychosocial model has emerged as a compelling approach to conceptualizing and
treating mental illness. However, it has also received its share of criticism. Evaluate the strengths
and limitations of the biopsychosocial model. Explain the clinical circumstances in which the
☐
biopsychosocial model might be indicated and effectively applied, and, the clinical circumstances
in which this model might be contraindicated and inapplicable. Provide an example of each
circumstance.
Poor emotional regulation represents a significant factor for the development of mental disorders.
Top-down theories of emotions explain psychopathology as dys-regulation of
☐ perceptual/cognitive processing. Bottom-up theories of emotions explain psychopathology as dis-
regulation of sensory/somatic processing. Compare and contrast these approaches and examine
their importance for understanding psychopathology.
Psychological theories help us to conceptualize how mental illness can arise. Select a specific
mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, eating
disorder, one of the paraphilias, one of the personality disorders, etc. - your choice. Then, select
any two theories - your choice - to explain the presumptive etiology behind the disorder. The
theories should be distinctive from one another (e.g., psychodynamic, post-modern,
☐ humanistic/existential, cognitive-behavioural, family systems, etc.).
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Intervention: Treatment, Counselling, and Therapy
Psychological therapies help us to plan how mental illness can be treated. Select a specific
mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, eating
disorder, one of the paraphilias, one of the personality disorders, etc. - your choice. Then, select
☐
any two therapies - your choice - to explain how the selected disorder is treated. The therapies
should be distinctive from one another (e.g., psychodynamic, post-modern,
humanistic/existential, cognitive-behavioural, family systems, etc.).
Some therapies presuppose that a person seeks professional help because they do not know what
to do to solve and/or resolve their problems. Other therapies postulate that clients do know – they
are the experts. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of these perspectives. Explain the clinical
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circumstances in which either might be indicated and effectively applied, and, the clinical
circumstances in either model might be contraindicated and inapplicable. Provide an example of
each to illustrate.
A viable counsellor-client relationship is considered foundational to positive therapeutic
outcomes. However, a therapeutic relationship might be less necessary, not possible,
☐ unwarranted, culturally inappropriate, or even contraindicated in certain clinical circumstances.
Describe at least five such circumstances and explain why a therapeutic relationship might not be
foundational to positive therapeutic outcomes
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