1. Name That Disorder
This activity presents case studies in which individuals suffer from symptoms of psychological disorders.
Related Topics: Psychological disorders, psychotherapies.
NOTES
This activity should be presented AFTER students have read the section of their textbook on psychological disorders.
The activity consists of eight case studies; in each, an individual experiences symptoms of either panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder, agoraphobia, or major depressive disorder.
You might want to present this activity in conjunction with the ActivePsych activity “Creative People with Psychological Disorders.”

2. Case Study 1
Irene occasionally experiences unpredictable episodes of intense dread, accompanied by chest pains and a sensation of smothering or choking. Her symptoms have no apparent physical cause.
NOTES
Students will be presented with eight case studies in this activity. After each case study, the following slide will prompt students to identify the disorder from which the person is suffering.
Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Irene’s symptoms and the disorder from which she suffers.

3. Case Study 1: DIAGNOSIS Irene suffers from
panic disorder
NOTES
Irene suffers from “B,” panic disorder. Point out that panic disorder is an anxiety disorder marked by unpredictable minutes-long episodes of intense dread in which a person experiences terror and accompanying chest pain, choking, or other frightening sensations.
Also point out that anxiety disorders are psychological disorders characterized by distressing, persistent anxiety or maladaptive behaviors that reduce anxiety. In a generalized anxiety disorder, a person is continually tense, apprehensive, and in a state of autonomic nervous system arousal.
If you are using Classroom Response System (iClicker) technology to poll your students, you can graph their responses. For more information on iClicker, go to:
If you don’t have iClicker technology, tally responses manually by having students write responses on a piece of paper. You may collect the papers or ask students to raise their hands to indicate the response they chose.
You can use class responses to launch a discussion or start a debate.

4. Case Study 2
Jason is so preoccupied with staying clean that he showers as many as 10 times each day.
NOTES
Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Jason’s symptoms and the disorder from which he suffers.

5. Case Study 2: DIAGNOSIS Jason suffers from
obsessive-compulsive disorder
NOTES
Jason suffers from “E,” obsessive-compulsive disorder. Point out that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or actions (compulsions).
If you are using Classroom Response System (iClicker) technology to poll your students, you can graph their responses. For more information on iClicker, go to:
If you don’t have iClicker technology, tally responses manually by having students write responses on a piece of paper. You may collect the papers or ask students to raise their hands to indicate the response they chose.
You can use class responses to launch a discussion or start a debate.

6. Case Study 3
Although she escaped from war-torn Iraq two years ago, Lila still has detailed haunting memories and nightmares.
NOTES
Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Lila’s symptoms and the disorder from which she suffers.

7. Case Study 3: DIAGNOSIS Lila suffers from
post-traumatic stress disorder
NOTES
Lila suffers from “C,” posttraumatic stress disorder. Point out that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by haunting memories, nightmares, social withdrawal, jumpy anxiety, and/or insomnia that lingers for four weeks or more after a traumatic experience.
If you are using Classroom Response System (iClicker) technology to poll your students, you can graph their responses. For more information on iClicker, go to:
If you don’t have iClicker technology, tally responses manually by having students write responses on a piece of paper. You may collect the papers or ask students to raise their hands to indicate the response they chose.
You can use class responses to launch a discussion or start a debate.

8. Case Study 4
One day Matt felt optimistic, energetic, and on top of the world. A few days later he felt hopeless and lethargic. He thought that the future looked very grim.
NOTES
Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Matt’s symptoms and the disorder from which he suffers.

9. Case Study 4: DIAGNOSIS Matt suffers from
bipolar disorder
NOTES
Matt suffers from “E,” bipolar disorder. Point out that bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which the person alternates between the hopelessness and lethargy of depressions and the overexcited state of mania. (Formerly called manic-depressive disorder.)
Also point out that mania is a mood disorder marked by a hyperactive, wildly optimistic state.
If you are using Classroom Response System (iClicker) technology to poll your students, you can graph their responses. For more information on iClicker, go to:
If you don’t have iClicker technology, tally responses manually by having students write responses on a piece of paper. You may collect the papers or ask students to raise their hands to indicate the response they chose.
You can use class responses to launch a discussion or start a debate.

10. Case Study 5
Claiming that she heard a voice commanding her to warn other people that eating is harmful, Sandy attempts to convince other restaurant patrons not to eat. The psychiatrist to whom she is referred finds that Sandy’s thinking and speech are often fragmented and incoherent. In addition, Sandy has an unreasonable fear that someone is “out to get her.” Consequently, she trusts no one.
NOTES
Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Sandy’s symptoms and the disorder from which she suffers.

11. Case Study 5: DIAGNOSIS Sandy suffers from
paranoid schizophrenia
NOTES
Sandy suffers from “A,” paranoid schizophrenia. Point out that schizophrenia is a group of severe disorders characterized by disorganized and delusional thinking, disturbed perceptions, and inappropriate emotions and actions.
Delusions are false beliefs, often of persecution or grandeur, that may accompany psychotic disorders; those with paranoid tendencies are particularly prone to delusions of persecution. Someone with paranoid schizophrenia may jump from one idea to another, even within sentences, thus creating a “word salad.”
If you are using Classroom Response System (iClicker) technology to poll your students, you can graph their responses. For more information on iClicker, go to:
If you don’t have iClicker technology, tally responses manually by having students write responses on a piece of paper. You may collect the papers or ask students to raise their hands to indicate the response they chose.
• You can use class responses to launch a discussion or start a debate.

12. Case Study 6
Bob has never been able to keep a job. He’s been in and out of jail for charges such as theft, sexual assault, and spousal abuse however if you were to meet Bob he can at times seem very charming.
NOTES
Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Bob’s symptoms and the disorder from which he suffers.

13. Case Study 6: DIAGNOSIS Bob suffers from
antisocial personality disorder
NOTES
Bob suffers from “D,” antisocial personality disorder. Point out that antisocial personality disorder is a personality disorder in which the person (usually a man) exhibits a lack of conscience for wrongdoing, even toward friends and family members. The person may also be aggressive and ruthless or a clever con artist.
If you are using Classroom Response System (iClicker) technology to poll your students, you can graph their responses. For more information on iClicker, go to:
If you don’t have iClicker technology, tally responses manually by having students write responses on a piece of paper. You may collect the papers or ask students to raise their hands to indicate the response they chose.
• You can use class responses to launch a discussion or start a debate.

14. Case Study 7
Sadie is so fearful of being overwhelmed by anxiety that she rarely steps outside her apartment. The thought of going shopping and getting lost in a crowd terrifies her, so she has her groceries delivered. Because of her fear, she earns her living as a freelance writer and works at home.
NOTES
Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Sadie’s symptoms and the disorder from which she suffers.

15. Case Study 7: DIAGNOSIS Sadie suffers from
agoraphobia
NOTES
Sadie suffers from “B,” agoraphobia. Point out that a phobia is an anxiety disorder marked by persistent, irrational fear and avoidance of a specific object or situation. In particular, agoraphobia is fear or avoidance of situations in which escape might be difficult or help unavailable when panic strikes.
If you are using Classroom Response System (iClicker) technology to poll your students, you can graph their responses. For more information on iClicker, go to:
If you don’t have iClicker technology, tally responses manually by having students write responses on a piece of paper. You may collect the papers or ask students to raise their hands to indicate the response they chose.
You can use class responses to launch a discussion or start a debate.

16. Case Study 8
For the last month Gabrielle has felt lethargic and has been unable to get out of bed in the morning. She has withdrawn from friends and family because she feels worthless and unlovable.
NOTES
Before moving on to the next case study, have students speculate about Gabrielle’s symptoms and the disorder from which she suffers.

17. Case Study 8: DIAGNOSIS Gabrielle suffers from
major depressive disorder
NOTES
Gabrielle suffers from “A,” major depressive disorder. Point out that major depressive disorder is a mood disorder in which a person experiences, in the absence of drugs or a medical condition, two or more weeks of significantly depressed moods, feelings of worthlessness, and diminished interest or pleasure in most activities.
If you are using Classroom Response System (iClicker) technology to poll your students, you can graph their responses. For more information on iClicker, go to:
If you don’t have iClicker technology, tally responses manually by having students write responses on a piece of paper. You may collect the papers or ask students to raise their hands to indicate the response they chose.
You can use class responses to launch a discussion or start a debate.

18. Case Study 9
Lorna’s thoughts are extremely random and when she speaks it is often in a very confusing manner with words out of order and meaningless. She seems to have totally lost touch with reality.

19. Case Study 9: DIAGNOSIS Lorna suffers from
Disorganized Schizophrenia

20. Case Study 10
Bob has an irrational fear of feathers. Whenever he sees one he shakes and cries and looks for a way to escape. As a result he avoids any place where he might see a feather on the ground.

21. Case Study 10: DIAGNOSIS Bob suffers from
Phobia

22. Case Study 11
After the death of his wife from cancer, Robert wakes up one day thinking he is a different person, moves to another state and starts a new life.

23. Case Study 11: DIAGNOSIS Robert suffers from
Dissociative Fugue

24. Case Study 12
Richard loses the ability to use his left hand. Doctors can find no physical cause for this.

25. Case Study 12: DIAGNOSIS Richard suffers from
Conversion Disorder

26. Case Study 13
Jordan constantly worries over his work, relationships and finances for no particular reason. This has been lasting for more than 6 months.

27. Case Study 13: DIAGNOSIS Jordan suffers from
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

28. Case Study 14
Daniel has a cough that he is convinced means he is suffering from Tuberculosis. He also has an upset stomach which he feels is probably a sign of stomach cancer.

29. Case Study 14: DIAGNOSIS Daniel suffers from
Hypochondriasis

30. Case Study 15
James stares off into the distance and rarely moves his body. At times he suddenly becomes agitated and then resumes standing in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time.

31. Case Study 15: DIAGNOSIS James suffers from
Catatonic Schizophrenia

32. Case Study 16
Harold really wants to have a relationship with another person but he is so scared that he may say or do something embarrassing that he retreats from social contact. Harold is extremely shy.

33. Case Study 16: DIAGNOSIS Harold suffers from
Avoidant Personality Disorder

34. Case Study 17
Julie has no interest in having relationships with other people. She seems to lack emotion when it comes to other people. She considers herself a loner and has few friends.

35. Case Study 17: DIAGNOSIS Julie suffers from
Schizoid Personality Disorder

36. Case Study 18
Jan is extremely distrustful and suspicious of others and constantly thinks that people are “out to get her.” She sees people’s behaviors as threatening even when they obviously are not. She does however have a good understanding of reality and does not have hallucinations.

37. Case Study 18: DIAGNOSIS Jan suffers from
Paranoid Personality Disorder

38. Case Study 19
Following a horrible light saber fight with his recently revealed father, Luke cannot remember the fight or the fact that his father revealed himself to be the evil Darth Vader.

39. Case Study 19: DIAGNOSIS Luke suffers from
Dissociative Amnesia

40. Case Study 20
While Jimmy was being severely abused as a child he would pretend to be another person. Later, as an adult Jimmy switches back and forth between different personalities whenever he is under severe stress.

41. Case Study 20: DIAGNOSIS Jimmy suffers from
Dissociative Identity Disorder

42. Case Study 21
While waiting for the ambulance to arrive after his car crash, Tim feels as if he is having an out of body experience and observing the entire accident scene from above. Afterwards he finds himself doing this whenever he is under great stress.

43. Case Study 21: DIAGNOSIS Tim suffers from
Depersonalization Disorder

44. Biology – Learning/Behavioral – Cognitive - Psychoanalytic
Causes of Disorder
Tell which school of psychology would agree with the following descriptions
Biology – Learning/Behavioral – Cognitive - Psychoanalytic

45. Causes
This perspective would say that disorders are caused by some sort of chemical imbalance in the brain or a genetic flaw.

46. Causes Answer
Biological

47. Causes
Disorders are caused by hidden urges or anxiety in the unconsciousness usually caused by childhood issues.

48. Causes Answer
Psychoanalytic

49. Causes
Disorders are the result of a child observing a disordered role model behave and then copying those behaviors.

50. Causes Answer
Learning/Behavioral – Observational Learning

51. Causes
This perspective says that abnormal behavior is rewarded or reinforced making the person more likely to do it in the future.

52. Causes Answer
Learning/Behavior – Operant Conditioning

53. Causes
This perspective blames a person’s irrational thoughts and beliefs as the reason for their disorder. People’s thoughts are causing them to misread situations.

54. Causes Answer
Cognitive

55. Causes
This explanation says that something that was previously neutral (car) can become something you are scared of if it is paired with something (accident) that causes fear.

56. Causes Answer
Learning/Behavior – Classical Conditioning

57. TREATMENT Which treatment is being described?
Biomedical – Behaviorist – Cognitive – Psychoanalysis - Humanistic

58. Treatment
This treatment would traditionally treat someone with a drug to help them with a neurotransmitter deficiency or over abundance.

59. Treatment Answer
Biomedical

60. Treatment
This treatment uses unconditional positive regard, active listening and empathy to help create an environment where the patient will be able to understand themselves better and use this to make better decisions in the future.

61. Treatment Answer
Humanistic

62. Treatment
This Treatment would be when a therapist would challenge a client’s irrational beliefs or thoughts and help the client to first recognize and then change these to be more realistic and less harmful.

63. Treatment Answer
Cognitive

64. Treatment
This treatment would use electroconvulsive therapy for treatment of severely depressed and suicidal patients.

65. Treatment Answer
Biomedical

66. Treatment
This treatment would use free association, dream analysis and hypnosis in an effort to get the client to transfer their unconscious conflicts onto the therapist where they can then be worked out.

67. Treatment Answer
Psychoanalytic

68. Treatment
This treatment aims to teach the client a new behavior using modeling techniques, progressive relaxation and visualization, reinforcement and counter conditioning.

69. Treatment Answer
Behavioral

70. Defining Terms How do we define “abnormal behavior”? Typicality
Maladaptive
Emotional Discomfort
Socially Unacceptable Behavior

71. Defining Terms What is the DSM-IV and how is it used?
Diagnostic Statistical Manual used for categorizing and diagnosing mental disorders.

72. A Concluding Thought
A medical model is when a disease has physical causes that can be diagnosed, treated, and, in most cases, cured.
With psychological disorders, the medical model assumes that these mental illnesses can be diagnosed on the basis of their symptoms and cured through therapy, which may include treatment in a psychiatric hospital.
NOTES
Point out that the DSM-IV is the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition), and it is a widely used system for classifying psychological disorders. It is presently distributed in an updated “text revision” (DSM-IV-TR).
Explain that the DSM-IV-TR defines a diagnostic process and 16 clinical syndromes.

73. Consider This… How do we define “abnormal behavior”?
Why are personality disorders different from the other “common” psychological disorders?
Can you truly make a diagnoses based on short descriptions such as these?
NOTES
Point out that mental health workers view psychological disorders as persistently harmful thoughts, feelings, and actions. When behavior is deviant, distressful, and dysfunctional, psychiatrists and psychologists label it disordered (Comer, 2004).
Also point out that standards for deviant behavior vary by culture and context. For example, going naked in some cultures may be considered routine behavior that in other cultures would be grounds for arrest. As another example, mass killings during wartime may be considered as normal, or even heroic.
Further point out that maladaptive behavior patterns impair people’s social functioning without anxiety, depression, or delusions—and these disruptive patterns are personality disorders. As an example, remind students of the symptoms presented in case study 6 (Bob, who suffered from antisocial personality disorder).
Point out that the DSM-IV-TR is considered by practitioners to be a helpful and practical tool, although not all are enthralled with its medical terminology. The World Health Organization uses the International Classifications of Disorders (ICD-10), which covers both medical and psychological disorders. Also, most insurance companies in North America require an ICD diagnosis before they will pay for therapy.
***These questions should be used to promote class discussion. They are not constructed for use with Classroom Response System (iClicker) technology.
Source:
Comer, R.J. (2004). Abnormal Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers.