COUC 546
DSM SUMMARIES ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
Throughout your career as a counselor, you will be required to assess and diagnose clients. To
engage in this practice in a competent manner, you will need to have a good working knowledge
of the DSM-5 including the general categories and the specific disorders that are contained in
each category. This DSM-5 Summaries Assignment will introduce you to the more common
categories that you will encounter as a counselor.
INSTRUCTIONS
You will have four sets of summaries to complete, each due during a different Module/Week.
Each set will contain a 1-page summary of each of the following disorders:
Summary Set 1, due at the end of Module 1 (3 summaries, one page each):
• Bipolar and Related Disorders
• Depressive Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders
Summary Set 2, due at the end of Module 3 (3 summaries, one page each):
• Substance-related and Addictive Disorders
• Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive and Related Disorders
Summary Set 3, due at the end of Module 5 (your choice of 3, one page each):
• Personality Disorders
• Somatic Symptoms
• Neurodevelopmental
• Schizophrenia Spectrum
Summary Set 4, due at the end of Module 7 (your choice of 3, one page each):
• Neurocognitive
• Disruptive, Impulse Control and Conduct Disorders
• Feeding and Eating Disorders
• Sexual
• Sleep/Wake
• Elimination
• Gender
• Other Conditions That May Be a Focus of Clinical Attention
You will write a one-page summary for EACH category. Summaries must include:
Overview - a brief overview of the general category. Identify the similar symptoms that
all the disorders in the category share.
Disorders –List each disorder in the category and highlight at least one symptom that
makes this disorder different than all the other disorders in this category (example: in the
COUC 546
Depressive disorders all the disorders are characterized by feelings of sadness. Highlight what
makes each diagnosis different: time frames, severity, types of symptoms, etc.)
Risk and Prognostic Factors – choose one disorder that you are particularly interested
in and provide a brief summary of the risk and prognostic factors. Include what category the risk
factors fall into: biological, psychological, social or spiritual.
You will organize each summary by using the current edition of APA headings. Start each
summary with the category title using a Level 1 APA heading. Overview, Disorders and Risk
/Prognostic factors should be Level 2 headings.
You will include an APA title page and reference page. An abstract is not needed. Remember,
the graduate program at Liberty uses the guidelines for “Professional” papers, not the “Student”
version.
As this is primarily a summary of the DSM, you may start your DSM-5 Summaries Assignment
paper with the statement “All of the following information was taken from the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual 5th Edition (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) unless otherwise noted.”
Using other sources is not recommended; however, if you use additional sources, you will need
to cite and reference them.
This DSM-5 Summaries Assignment must be a paraphrase of the information you find in the
DSM 5 or your textbook. You may not use any quotations.
Be sure to review the DSM-5 Summaries Grading Rubric before beginning this DSM-5
Summaries Assignment.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
COUC 546
DSM-5 SUMMARIES GRADING RUBRIC
Criteria
Levels of Achievement
Content 70%
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Not present
Analyzes the
material
19 to 21 points
3 DSM categories are clearly
presented including an
overview, list of disorders
and risk/ prognostic factors.
Risk/ prognostic factors are
linked to the bio-psycho-
social-spiritual framework.
17 to 18 points
3 DSM categories are
presented. Missing points in
the overview, list of disorders
or risk/ prognostic factors.
Risk/ prognostic factors not
linked to the bio-psycho-
social-spiritual framework.
1 to 16 points
2 DSM category summaries are
presented. Missing multiple points in
the overview, list of disorders or risk/
prognostic factors.
0 points
Not Present
Structure 30%
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Not present
Mechanics
3 points
No grammar, spelling, or
punctuation errors are
present. Writing is precise.
Word choice is appropriate.
2 points
Few grammar, spelling, or
punctuation errors are present.
Writing style is sufficient.
Word choice is adequate.
1 point
Several grammar, spelling, or
punctuation errors are present.
Writing style is understandable but
could be improved. Word choice is
generally good.
0 points
Not Present
APA Format
Elements
3 points
Citations and format are in
current APA style. Title
page, Citations, and
Reference page are correctly
formatted. Paper is double-
spaced with 1-inch margins.
No Abstract is needed.
2 points
Citations and format are in
current APA style with few
errors. Title page, Abstract,
Citations, and Reference page
are present with few errors.
Paper is double-spaced with 1-
inch margins.
1 point
Citations and format are in current
APA style though several errors are
present. Title page, Abstract,
Citations, and Reference page are
either included with several errors
are present or one of these is missing.
Paper is double-spaced, but margins
are incorrect.
0 points
Not Present.
Paraphrasing
Skills
3 points
Zero Quotations used
Information is paraphrased
and summarized in a manner
that shows understanding.
2 points
1-2 quotations used
Information is paraphrased in a
manner that shows some
understanding.
1 point
3-4 quotations used
Information is paraphrased in a
manner that shows minimal
understanding.
0 points
Not Present
DSM-5_Summary Set 2
Name
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Author Note
<Insert Your Name Here>
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose."<Disclose conflicts, if any>"
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to <Insert Your Name Here>
Email: <Insert Your LU Email>
Substance-related and Addictive Disorders
General Overview
Substance-related and Addictive Disorders are a class of disorders characterized by a
craving for something, developing tolerance to something, and difficulties in controlling the use
of certain substances. It also involves withdrawal symptoms on the abrupt termination of the
substance use. According to DSM-5, every substance-related and addictive disorder is addressed
as a separate disorder, but nearly all are diagnosed on the same criteria (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013). The common symptoms of substance-related and addictive disorders include
the inability to stop using substances, obsessions, solitude and secrecy, changes in appetite, and
insomnia.
Types of Substance-related and Addictive Disorders
DSM-5 groups substance-related and addictive disorders into two groups that include
substance use disorders and substance-induced disorders. Substance use disorder includes a
chronic condition characterized by uncontrolled use of substances that leads to physical, social,
and psychological issues or distress (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Substance-
induced disorders are temporal conditions caused by substances ingestion that alter judgment,
perception, consciousness, and cognition.
Risk Factors and Prognosis
Substance use disorder
Substance use disorders are also known as drug addiction that entails the disease
affecting an individual's brain and behavior, leading to the inability to control the use of legal or
illegal drugs. Some of the substances or drugs involved include alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana.
The risk factors of substance use disorder are psychological and behavioral, such as family
history addiction, peer pressure, mental health issues, difficult family issues, and highly addictive
drugs such as cocaine (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The course of substance use
disorder starts by affecting the brain; thus, making it hard to stop taking the drug. Substance use
makes the brain desensitized so that more of the substance must be used to produce the same
effects daily.
Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders
General Overview
Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders involves a group of mental conditions or disorder
that arises due to traumatic or stressful events. These disorders are similar to mental or
psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression, although a triggering situation is necessary
to confirm their diagnoses. Because trauma and stressor-related disorders share many features, it
is important to understand the kind and nature of triggering events, the relationship between the
event and the symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). Some of the common symptoms in all Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders include
distressing memories and thoughts of traumatic scenarios, efforts to avoid reminders of traumatic
events, depression, fear, and feeling of isolation.
Types of Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders
Acute Stress Disorder
Acute Stress Disorder begins immediately after the traumatic events and lasts about 3
days to 1 month after the exposure. The main symptom includes recurrent dreams of the
traumatic event that can be unpleasant and intrusive.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD)
PSTD lasts for more than one month, maybe as the continuation of acute stress disorder
or due to a separate occurrence that starts 6months after the traumatic event. The main symptom
includes severe anxiety and uncontrolled thoughts of the traumatic event.
Adjustment Disorder
This is a maladaptive emotional response to the traumatic event lasting for less than 6
months after the trauma. The main symptom that makes this disorder different from others is the
feeling of hopelessness and being overwhelmed, which happen when one is unable to adjust to
the stressor.
Risk Factors and Prognosis
Acute Stress disorder
The distressing symptom of the acute stress disorder lasts between 3 days to 1 month
after the occurrence. It mainly happened to individuals experiencing traumatic events such as
assault, rape, and accidents. The risk factors of acute stress disorder are psychological, including
traumatic experiences, absence of social support, and pre-existing mental disorders (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013). The acute stress disorder is managed through social support and
counseling. Most people recover after the stressor is identified and a plan to control it is devised.
Obsessive-compulsive and Related Disorders
General Overview
Obsessive-compulsive and Related Disorders are often called doubting diseases. This
entails a group of many disorders characterized by intrusive, repetitive behaviors and intrusive
thoughts. It is normal for an individual to experience unwanted thoughts and engage in repetitive
behaviors. However, individuals with Obsessive-compulsive and Related Disorders have
elevated unwanted thoughts ad obsessions so high that their cognitions ad daily lives are
disrupted (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The common symptoms of all Obsessive-
compulsive and Related Disorders include elevated unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
Types of Obsessive-compulsive and Related Disorders
The Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is typically characterized by compulsions and obsessions, which individuals find
hard to control. Obsessions and compulsions in OCD include intrusive thoughts, impulses, and
images. Compulsions include excessive cleaning, checking behavior, and organizing things in
asset patterns.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder have perceived flaws in their physical
appearance that are non-existent or noticeable by other people. The main symptoms include
engaging in repetitive and ritualistic behaviors such as looking in the mirror to make
comparisons with others.
Hoarding Disorder
Individuals with hoarding disorder fail to accept to be part of personal possessions
regardless of the value. These individuals accumulate excess worthless items cluttering their
living areas. They have difficulties parting with their items because they believe they might use
the items in the future.
Risk Factors and Prognosis
Obsessive-compulsive disorder entails people having repetitive and unwanted thoughts.
The main risk factors of OCD are biological, physiological, and environmental. These factors
include age, gender, stress, life events, genetics, mental issues, and learning. The symptoms
increase if the OCD is not treated, but they rarely become spontaneous (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013). Overall, about 70%of OCD patients that seek the treatment experience
significant improvement. However, the disease remains chronic with symptoms that may live
throughout the life of the individual.
Reference
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(DSM-5®). American Psychiatric Pub.
DSM-5_Summary Set 3 1
DSM-5_Summary Set 3
Name
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Author Note
<Insert Your Name Here>
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose."<Disclose conflicts, if any>"
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to <Insert Your Name Here>
Email: <Insert Your LU Email>
DSM-5_Summary Set 3 2
Personality Disorders
General Overview
Personality entails the way of thinking, behaving, or feeling that makes people different.
The personality of an individual is influenced by experiences inherited characteristics.
Personality disorder involves the way of thinking and behaving that deviate from the cultural
norms and expectations, causes problems or distress in functioning (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013). The common symptoms of all personality disorders include engaging in
impulsive, risky behaviors, unstable self-image, intense relationships, mood swings, threats of
self-injury, and suicidal ideations.
Types of Personality Disorders
Antisocial Personality Disorder
This disorder involves a pattern of ignoring or violating other people's rights. The main
symptom of antisocial personality disorder is non-conformity to the social norms, repeated lies,
and acting impulsively.
Avoidant Personality Disorder
The main signs distinguishing avoidant personality disorder from others are extreme
shyness, inadequacy feelings, and being extremely sensitive to criticism (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013). Individuals with avoidant disorder are always unwilling to be involved with
others unless they are certain they will be liked because they view themselves as not being good
enough to be accepted.
Borderline Personality Disorder
DSM-5_Summary Set 3 3
This type of personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of unstable personal
relationships. The main symptoms that distinguish it from other disorders are high emotions,
impulsivity, and poor self-image.
Narcissistic personality disorder
This is a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of the need to be admired and a
lack of empathy for other people. The main symptoms that distinguish this disorder from others
are a flashy sense of self-importance and entitlement.
Risk factor and prognosis
Antisocial Personality Disorder entails a pattern of exploiting or violating other peoples'
rights. The risk factors of Antisocial Personality Disorder are biological and environmental,
including child abuse, antisocial and alcoholic parent, fire setting, and cruelty to domestic
animals (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The prognosis of this disorder is high with
medication and psychotherapy that help control the patient's specific behaviors. Symptoms of
Antisocial Personality Disorder worsen between 24 and 44 years and improve after the age of 45
years.
Somatic Symptom
General Overview
The somatic symptoms disorder is usually diagnosed when an individual significantly
focuses on physical symptoms such as shortness of breath and pain to the level that result in
distress. Individuals with somatic system disorder show intrusive thoughts, behaviors, and
feelings related to the physical symptoms. The common symptoms in all somatic symptom
DSM-5_Summary Set 3 4
disorders include distress, excessive thoughts, and anxiety. Individuals with somatic symptom
disorder usually visit primary care physicians instead of psychiatrists (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013). In most cases, people with somatic symptom disorder find it hard to accept
that their mental issues are excessive; thus, they continue to live in fear and worry.
Types Somatic Symptom Disorders
Illness Anxiety Disorder
This disorder is also known as hypochondriasis. Individuals with illness anxiety disorder
are usually preoccupied with getting a disease or having the illness; thus, having constant worries
about their health (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The symptom that distinguishes
illness anxiety from others includes extreme precautions and frequent checks on the mirror.
Conversion Disorder
Conversion disorder is a mental condition in which symptoms affect the individual's
perception and movement of no physical harm or cause. The symptoms of a conversion disorder
that distinguishes it from other disorders are numbness, trouble walking, and blindness.
Factitious Disorder
This disorder involves the individual faking mental illness when in reality, the individual
is not sick. The individual may also create an illness or injury in another person, such as faking a
child's symptoms.
Risk Factors and Prognosis
Illness Anxiety Disorder
DSM-5_Summary Set 3 5
Individuals with Illness Anxiety Disorder have a persistent fear that they may be having a
life-threatening illness despite having no symptoms. Risk factors of this disorder are
psychological, such as life stress, history of child abuse, childhood illness, and personality traits
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013). With treatment of Illness Anxiety Disorder, the
prognosis is good because the risk of developing secondary anxiety is minimized.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
General Overview
Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions that start during the
developmental period. These disorders show in the early development of children, mainly before
they begin schooling. They are characterized by developmental deficits that lead to the
impairment of social, personal, and academic functioning. The range of neurodevelopmental
disorders varies from learning to control the children's social skills and intelligence (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013). The common symptoms of all neurodevelopmental disorders
include excessive repetitive behavior in children, having restricted interest, and a high level of
insisting on sameness. The DSM-5 defines the level of severity of the neurodevelopmental
disorders based on adaptive functioning and not on the level of IQ.
Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder
The autism spectrum disorder is characterized by social interaction deficits. In the DSM-
5, individuals with autism spectrum disorder show repetitive behavior, are restricted and have
poor social interaction (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The symptoms that distinguish
DSM-5_Summary Set 3 6
autism spectrum disorder from other are a delay in cognitive development and language
problems.
Attention-Deficit Disorder
The AD/AH disorder is a chronic mental condition that affects many children, and the
condition continues to adulthood. The main symptoms that distinguish AD/HD from other
neurodevelopmental disorders include the difficulty of the patient in sustaining attention,
impulsive behavior, poor school performance, and troubled relationships.
Specific Learning Disorder
A learning disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is apparent to affected
individuals in their early schooling years and persists even when the affected person can
maintain average learning. This disorder interferes with the ability of the student to learn, think,
speak and spell words (Wills, 2016). The symptoms that distinguish from other disorders are
learning disability and struggling to read and write.
Risk Factors and Prognosis
Specific learning disorder affects the learning ability of the individual. The risk factors
are biological and psychological, including family history and genetics, prenatal and neonatal
issues, physical and psychological trauma (Wills, 2016). The prognosis of individuals with a
specific learning disorder is good because they can still function well through social and
psychological support, particularly if the services are given in school-going years.
DSM-5_Summary Set 3 7
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(DSM-5®). American Psychiatric Pub.
Wills, C. D. (2016, June 1). DSM-5 and neurodevelopmental and other disorders of childhood
and adolescence. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.
https://jaapl.org/content/42/2/165
DSM-5_Summary Set 1 1
DSM-5-Summary Set 1
Name
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Author Note
<Insert Your Name Here>
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose."<Disclose conflicts, if any>"
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to <Insert Your Name Here>
Email: <Insert Your LU Email>
DSM-5_Summary Set 1 2
Bipolar and Related Disorders
General Overview
The APA's DSM-5 describes bipolar and related disorders as a group of brain issues or
disorders that cause an extreme fluctuation in an individual's mood, ability to function properly,
and energy. People living with bipolar and related disorders experience a period of high
excitement, delusions, and overactivity, and in other periods they feel hopeless and sad. They are
connected by the presence and absence of manic and hypomanic episodes and depressive
episodes (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Bipolar and related disorders can be
accompanied by some common symptoms such as changes in mood and behavior, rapid cycling,
anxiousness, distress, melancholic and atypical features resulting in difficulties in life.
Disorders
Bipolar I disorder
This is a manic depressive disorder that exists with or without psychotic episodes.
Bipolar 1 disorder is usually diagnosed when an individual experiences manic episodes,
experiences extreme energy or feels at the top of the world, or has an irritable mood (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Bipolar II Disorder
It consists of the manic and depressive episodes that alternate and are typically less
severe since individuals return to their normal functioning between the episodes.
DSM-5_Summary Set 1 3
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is a middle type of bipolar that entails excessive mood swings with
depressive and hypomania symptoms. Individuals with this disorder usually have emotional
changes with fewer symptoms compared to Bipolar I and Bipolar II.
Risks and Prognosis Factors
Cyclothymic Disorder
This is a mood disorder characterized by hypomanic and depressive symptoms for more
than 2 years or can take one year for young adults and children. The main risk factors include
abuse in childhood, adolescence, living with a mentally ill parent, school problems, and genetic
factors. Besides, Cyclothymic disorder puts relatives at the risk of developing bipolar I, bipolar
II, and depressive disorders. Family members with Cyclothymic disorder are at risk of having
substance-associated disorders.
Depressive Disorders
General Overview
According to the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 manual, depressive
disorders cause a persistent loss of interest in things, feeling empty, easily irritable moods, and
the somatic and cognitive changes that hinder individuals from functioning well. The difference
in depressive disorders is seen on the issues of duration, etiology, and timing. Individuals with
depressive disorders have a problem carrying their normal daily routines. Sometimes, they end
up feeling as if life is not worth living (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The common
DSM-5_Summary Set 1 4
symptoms of all depressive disorders include feelings of sadness, irritability, frustrations, loss of
pleasure and interest in normal activities, sleep disturbances, lack of energy and feeling tired,
agitation and anxiety, guilt feeling, and trouble remembering things and making decisions and
slowed thinking.
Types of Depressive Disorders
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
This is a childhood depression that comes with a high level of irritability, outbursts of
intense temper, frequent anger.
Major depressive disorder
In major depressive disorder, symptoms such as loss of interest, sadness, guilt, loss of
energy, indecisiveness, and loss of concentration are seen for at least 2 weeks.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
This is a long-term depression that makes one lose interest in daily activities, have low
self-esteem, lose hope, and feel inadequate (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These
signs may last for many years; thus, affecting individual relationships with others.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is common among women who menstruate. The
symptoms of this depressive disorder include bloating, tenderness of breasts in a week,
headaches, irritability, and anxiety.
DSM-5_Summary Set 1 5
Risk and Prognosis Factors
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Risk factors for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder are biological and psychological.
Women of childbearing age are at the highest risk of developing premenstrual dysphoric
disorder. Individual women experience this disorder when they experience stress, trauma, and
seasonal changes. About 30%-80% of the symptoms are genetic or inherited (Mayo Clinic,
2018). Women using oral contraceptives are known to have few premenstrual issues compared to
those who do not use oral contraceptives. The premenstrual dysphoric disorder has a prevalence
of 12 months ranging from1.8%to 5.8%.
Anxiety Disorders
General Overview
According to the APA's DSM-5, anxiety disorders include mental conditions that share
features such as a high level of fear, worry, and related behavioral disturbances. Anxiety entails
anticipating future threats associated with avoidant behaviors, muscle tension, and vigilance in
preparing for future danger. An anxiety disorder differs depending on the situation that induces
the anxiety (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The common symptoms of anxiety
disorders include restlessness, feeling fatigued, blank mind, lack of concentration, muscles
tension, easily irritability, worry, and sleep disturbance.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
DSM-5_Summary Set 1 6
GAD is usually characterized by chronic worry and anxiety, exaggerated tension even
where is nothing o little to provoke tension.
The Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by obsessions or recurrent thoughts or repetitive behavior, or
compulsions.
Panic Disorder
This is an anxiety disorder characterized by repeated or unexpected episodes of high-
level fear that is accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pains,
dizziness or and shortness of breath.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PSTD develops after an individual is exposed to a terrible event where serious physical
harm happens. Some of the traumatic scenarios that trigger PTSD include assaults and accidents.
Social Phobia
Social phobia is also known as social anxiety disorder and is characterized by excessive
self-consciousness in daily social situations.
Risk Factors and Prognosis
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
DSM-5_Summary Set 1 7
The main risk factors of developing GAD include gender, where women are highly likely
to be affected than men, family history, substance abuse such as alcohol or smoking, stressful
events, childhood neglect and exposure to parental abuse, divorce, and separation (Mayo Clinic,
2018). The clinical course or prognosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is usually
chronic, with about 40% of patients having the illness last for more than 5 years.
DSM-5_Summary Set 1 8
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(DSM-5®). American Psychiatric Pub.
Mayo Clinic. (2018, May 4). Anxiety disorders - Symptoms and causes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
https://www.verywellmind.com/eating-disorders-4157252#symptoms
DSM-5_Summary Set 4 1
DSM-5_Summary Set 4
Name
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Author Note
<Insert Your Name Here>
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose."<Disclose conflicts, if any>"
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to <Insert Your Name Here>
Email: <Insert Your LU Email>
DSM-5_Summary Set 4 2
Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders
General Overview
Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders are disorders that make people
behave aggressively or angry towards others or properties. Individuals with these disorders have
difficulty in controlling their behaviors, emotions and can break laws and rules. Most children
with these disorders become disruptive and defiant in their daily routines (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013). Common symptoms in all Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct
Disorders include aggression towards other people, mood swings, anger, disruption, and
defiance.
Types of Disruptive, Impulse Control and Conduct Disorders
Oppositional defiant disorder
The oppositional defiant disorder is characterized by individuals getting angered easily or
get easily annoyed, having a short temper, getting into fights with others frequently, finding it
challenging to obey rules, and being spiteful or vindictive (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). These behaviors tend to upset the individual and those around them or cause problems to
others.
Intermittent explosive disorder
The intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by frequent aggression, outbursts,
and impulsiveness. The individual can show verbal or physical aggression towards people and
animals (Parekh, 2018). The common symptom distinguishing intermittent explosive disorder
from others includes high-level impulsiveness, distress, and physical aggression.
DSM-5_Summary Set 4 3
Conduct Disorder
This is a serious disorder characterized by behaviors that break laws and rules. The
common symptoms include aggression, physical fights, bullying, destroying properties, stealing,
and lying.
Risk Factors and Prognosis
Conduct Disorder
In the DSM-5, conduct disorder diagnosis is assigned to people below the age of 18 who
violate other people's rights and do not conform to the social norms. The risk factors of conduct
disorder are biological and psychological, such as impulsiveness, poor performance in school,
low level of IQ, poor supervision by parents, erratic discipline, child abuse and parental conflict,
anti-social families and parents (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The prognosis of
conduct disorder is good during early childhood. However, about one-third of conduct disorder
cases persist to adulthood.
Feeding and Eating Disorders
General Overview
Feeding and Eating Disorders are characterized by frequent eating, a behavior that results
in physical, mental, and psychosocial health impairment. It also entails the refusal to eat some
types of food for a period of time, making them lose weight or preventing individuals from
growing naturally (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Symptoms common in all feeding
and eating disorders include emotional distress, excessive exercise, excessive thought on food,
weight, body image, and frequent weight changes.
DSM-5_Summary Set 4 4
Types of Feeding and Eating Disorders
Binge eating
The binge eating disorder is characterized by repeated consumption of a large amount of
food and a feeling of loss of control in eating. It is common in people with large body sizes and
weights.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by an increased eating rate followed by compensatory
behaviors designed to reduce calories consumed. Some symptoms that distinguish bulimia
nervosa disorder include fasting, excessive exercise, and vomiting.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restricted eating that leads to reduced body weight.
The common symptoms that distinguish anorexia nervosa from other disorders include fear of
gaining weight and concerns about body image.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
This is an eating disorder characterized by restricted food intake regardless of body
image or concern about weight gain. The common symptoms include persistent eating and
failure to adhere to the nutritional needs of the diet.
Risk Factors and Prognosis
Binge Eating Disorder
DSM-5_Summary Set 4 5
It involves eating a large amount of food uncontrollably. Risk factors of binge eating are
biological and psychological, including family history and genetics, physical trauma at home,
sexual trauma, neglect, and emotional abuse, growing in a family that exhibits unhealthy eating
habits, mood disorders, and depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The prognosis
of binge eating is good because the condition can be managed through medications from
dieticians and psychotherapy.
Neurocognitive Disorders
General Overview
Neurocognitive disorders are a group of mental conditions that lead to impaired
functioning of the brain. These disorders commonly occur in older adults, but they can also
affect young people. The reduced mental functioning associated with neurocognitive disorders
includes memory problems, behavioral changes, difficulty understanding languages, and
problems in performing daily routines (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The common
symptoms of all neurocognitive disorders include anxiety, loss of memory, confusion, headache,
and inability to concentrate.
Types of Neurocognitive Disorders
Delirium
Delirium disorder is characterized by the attention and cognitive performance disturbance
that alters individual usual functioning or behavior (Bridley & Daffin, 2018). Common
symptoms that distinguish delirium from other neurocognitive disorders include cognitive
disruption, incoherent speech, disorganized thinking, delusion, hallucinations, and confusion.
DSM-5_Summary Set 4 6
Major Neurocognitive Disorder
The major Neurocognitive disorder is characterized by a significant reduction in
cognitive functioning and ability to meet daily living demands. The symptoms that distinguish
major Neurocognitive disorder from others are occasional awkwardness, forgetfulness, anxiety,
stress, and depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). There are also cases of
memory loss, confusion, communication difficulties, and personality changes.
Alzheimer's disease
This is the most common neurocognitive disorder that is characterized by a gradual
impairment of cognitive functioning. It is normally caused by the death of neurons, loss of
cellular connections in the brain, and inflammation (Bridley & Daffin, 2018). Some symptoms
that distinguish Alzheimer's disease include memory loss, difficulties in solving problems,
confusion, disruption of daily routines, and problem in understanding visual images.
Risk Factors and Prognosis
Delirium
This is a serious disturbance of cognitive functioning that result in confusion and reduced
awareness. The risk factors of Delirium are psychological, such as pre-existing mental
impairment such as old age and dementia. Other risk factors are biological and environmental,
such as infections, chronic illnesses, changes in metabolic balance, and drug intoxication
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The prognosis of delirium is good because patients
can recover completely if the condition is identified early enough. Any delay in addressing the
disorder lessens the chances of recovering.
DSM-5_Summary Set 4 7
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(DSM-5®). American Psychiatric Pub.
Bridley, L., & Daffin, L. (2018, January 5). Module 14: Neurocognitive disorders – Abnormal
psychology. Open Text WSU – Simple Book Publishing.
https://opentext.wsu.edu/abnormal-psych/chapter/module-14-neurocognitive-disorders/
Parekh, R. (2018, January). What are disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders? Home
│ psychiatry.org. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/disruptive-impulse-
control-and-conduct-disorders/what-are-disruptive-impulse-control-and-conduct-
disorders
