The Final Exam consists of eight (8) Essay questions. Use the reading   assignments thoroughly in an integrative discussion of your own understanding   of the questions posed. Remember to reference all work cited or quoted   by the text author. You should be doing this often in your responses. If you use outside resources, they should support the text information, but not replace the text.
 

All discussions must take into account the legal and ethical   considerations, as well as issues of culture and human diversity that   may pertain to the questions below.  Legal and Ethical information   is in Chapter 16 of the course text. Cultural information is covered   throughout the course text and DSM 5. You may use alternative cultural   resources to enhance your work.
 

Your response to each question should be approx. 1 page per question.
 

Your total assignment should be 8-9 pages plus a title and reference page.
 

Due Week 8
 

1.  What is meant by the notion that mental illness is a social   construction? How does cross-cultural research suggest that   psychopathology is universal rather than a social construction?
 

2.  It is widely recognized that people with autism spectrum disorder   display deficits in communication and social behavior. It is perhaps   less often noted that in some areas, their abilities may surpass those   of people without autism spectrum disorder.  What is your understanding   if this theory? How do the enhanced abilities of those with autism   spectrum disorder lend credence to an evolutionary approach to   psychopathology?
 

3.  Phrases such as “broken hearts” and “hurt feelings” liken  emotional  pain to physical pain. To what extent is the metaphor implied  in these  phrases supported neuroscientifically?
 

4.  The role of trauma and the experience of unusual states of  awareness  or identity in the dissociative disorders have led  psychologists to  explore the relationship between dissociation and  post-traumatic stress,  on the one hand, and hypnosis, on the other.  Briefly summarize the  results of this research.
 

5.  Discuss some of the reasons why the treatment of  substance-related  and addictive disorders is especially challenging.  Addiction to  methamphetamine is particularly difficult to treat. Review  some of the  cognitive deficits seen in methamphetamine addiction and  explain how  these deficits complicate efforts to treat the addiction.
 

6.  Outline the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of the etiology of   schizophrenia. In what way does schizophrenia represent a paradox from   an evolutionary standpoint?
 

7.  Discuss the evidence for genetic and environmental contributions  to  personality disorders. Identify the specific experiences that seem  to  underlie personality disorders. Which personality disorder seems the  most genetic?
 

8. Highlight the beneficial effects of physical exercise not only on   preventing cognitive impairment among older adults without   neurocognitive disorders but also on reversing decline among those with   mild neurocognitive impairment.
 

Assignment Outcomes 

Analyze the physical, cognitive, social and personality aspects of abnormal psychology and implications across the life span

Examine the major diagnostic domains and specific criteria associated with DSM-5 disorders.

Evaluate legal and ethical issues in mental health treatment

Develop an awareness of diversity and cross-cultural perspectives in abnormal psychology.

Explore available treatment and interdisciplinary services for community members experiencing mental health disorders.

Identify the barriers associated with seeking and receiving therapeutic services.