This assignment is an analysis of a selected neuropsychological disorder. This topic choice will be used to complete the Week One Assignment (Topic Selection), Week Two Assignment (Outline of Final Project), and the Week Five Assignment (Final Project).  Select a neuropsychological disorder for comprehensive analysis from the following list, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5):

Schizophrenia Major depressive disorder Bipolar disorder Anxiety  Choose and focus on one of the anxiety disorders, e.g., generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Substance use disorder (substance abuse and addiction)  Provide both an overview of this topic plus a focus on a single drug of your choice. Neurodevelopmental disorder (autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) Neurocognitive disorder  Choose and focus on one of the neurocognitive disorders, e.g., one of the dementias. Neurological disorder  Choose and focus on one neurological disorder, e.g., multiple sclerosis, spinal bifida. Sleep-wake disorder  Choose and focus on one of the sleep-wake disorders. Feeding and eating disorder  Choose and focus on one of the feeding and eating disorders. Sexual dysfunction or gender dysphoria  Choose and focus on one of the conditions in these categories. Other neuropsychosocial disorder  This option must be approved in advance by the instructor before your assignment is submitted.

In keeping with the focus of this class, the emphasis of your paper will be on the neuroscience aspects of the disorder, to include:  Theories of etiology (causes) Associated factors in development of the disorder (genetic, environmental, familial, lifestyle) Pathology (abnormalities of physical structure and function, including genetic and biochemical aspects) Treatment options (pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic, with rationales for use based on current understanding of the disorder) Diagnostic and research technologies employed in clinical diagnosis, care, and basic science research  

Your research will include two to three peer-reviewed sources that provide evidence-based information regarding the biologic and psychological features of the disorder. Refer to the Final Project guidelines, which can be found in Week Five of your online course or in the “Components of Course Evaluation” section of this guide, for more details on the components that should be included in this analysis

Writing the Selection of Final Project Topic

The Assignment: Must be two to three double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a title page with the following:  Title of paper Student’s name Course name and number Instructor’s name Date submitted Must describe the key aspects of the disorder that will be elaborated on in your Final Project. Must state why you have chosen to critique this disorder. Must incorporate in-text citations from your sources to support your discussion. You may reference your textbook and other required materials from the course; however, these will not fulfill the resource requirements. Must use at least two to three scholarly sources that were published within the last five years and retrieved from the Ashford University Library. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style