Instructions

Choose one of the options below to research and explore:

Option 1

Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma & Stress Related Disorders, and OCD may be diagnosed in children and adolescents; however, the symptoms and treatment approaches may and often do vary from those found in and used with adults. Choose one of the disorders listed above and present academic journal research (not information from websites) sharing how the disorder and symptoms present in children and adolescents and provide research-based treatment approaches. What proactive strategies may be used to reduce the development of symptoms and disorder in children and adolescents?

Option 2

Suicide rates are a growing concern among youth, current and former members of the military, and the LGBTQ+ community. Choose one of the groups listed above and present based on current academic journal research (not websites) the contributing factors related to a higher than average suicide rate in the group. What interventions and strategies have been effective in reducing suicide rates in the group? Are there unique factors to consider when working with the group of individuals in a mental health setting? Which DSM-5 disorders are often co-morbid with the suicidal ideation in this group?

Option 3

In a few sentences, briefly describe a current event (within the past 12-24 months) that has been covered by the media and make a case for how it relates to Trauma and Stress Related Disorders (PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, etc,). Present a viable (supported by field-specific literature or theory) possibility for causal factors related to the information about the case/individual. Discuss the coping strategies that are pertinent to a favorable outcome for the identified individual. Present a comprehensive recommended researched-based treatment approach for decreasing the discomfort and improving the functioning of the identified individual.

Option 4

Briefly summarize in one to two sentences the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria of bipolar disorders. Explore whether individuals with Bipolar and Related Disorders are more creative and/or financially successful than those without the disorder. Many successful people (entrepreneurs, artists, musicians) struggle with mood disorders. Is their creative "genius" a result of coexisting with a severe disorder? Why or why not? What may prevent these individuals from seeking support and treatment?

Option 5

Briefly summarize in one to two sentences the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders. Explore the connection between sociocultural, psychological, socioeconomic, and other demographic factors in the development of the depressive disorders. What is their role in the diathesis-stress model etiology of depression? Research is showing that Major Depressive Disorder is showing an earlier age of onset. What non-genetic/non-neurological factors may be involved in the trend and why?

Checklist for Maximum Points:

• Initial post is a minimum of 600 words (not including references) and demonstrates complete comprehension and clear evaluation of the material referenced in the question
• Initial post is made by due date posted in the schedule
• Initial post references and cites three scholarly sources such as those accessed through EBSCO, PubMed or Google Scholar, one of which must come from a peer-reviewed scholarly journal article, using correct APA
• Copy of initial post is submitted to the appropriate Assignments folder to check for plagiarism