PSY 215 Project One Template
Use the following article to support you in writing your blog post: . Tips for Writing Popular Blog Posts
Complete this template by replacing the bracketed text with the relevant information.
Part One
Use this Project One Template to complete your blog post. You will first review the various psychological
disorders that you’ve learned about in the course and select 3 disorders to focus on for this assignment.
Using a minimum of 3 to 5 sentences per bullet for each psychological disorder, respond to each of the
rubric criteria below to structure your blog post. Support your answers with credible sources when
appropriate.
Blog post headline: [Leaving Stigmas in the Past: Major Depressive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder]
Three selected disorders:
[Major Depressive Disorder]
[Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]
[Generalized Anxiety Disorder]
In your own words, identify and describe the main diagnostic features of each of the disorders
selected.
[Major Depressive Disorder: The DSM-5 criteria for a person to be diagnosed with Major
Depressive Disorder is someone who has experienced five or more of the following symptoms in
a 2-week period: frequent or recurring depressed moods, loss of interest in previously enjoyed
activities, significant weight loss or gain, increase or decrease in appetite, hypersomnia,
insomnia, fatigue, agitation, inability to concentrate, thoughts of suicide, and feelings of
worthlessness.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A person who has experienced some type of traumatic
event and then dwelling on it is associated with PTSD. The person also may continue to feel
guilty despite the fact that they are not at fault and they may have intense fear associated with
things that remind them of the traumatic event.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When a patient experiences uncontrollable and disproportionate
anxiety and/or worry involving everyday activities for a period of at least six months or more,
then he or she can be diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.]
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Consider factors: Describe what it means to characterize the disorders as “diseases biomedical
of the nervous system and the body.”
[Psychological disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and
Generalized Anxiety Disorder all affect different neurotransmitters in the brain. This is why,
when combined with therapy, certain medications that target different chemicals in the brain
are prescribed to help treat a patient. Someone with Major Depressive Disorder may have a
lower functioning and production of serotonin and dopamine. Someone with PTSD may show
"decreased serum concentrations of 5HT, decreased density of platelet 5HT uptake sites, and
altered responsiveness to CNS serotonergic challenge" (Sherin, J. E. & Nemeroff, C. B., 2011).]
Consider factors: Describe the similarities between the disorders selected. In what ways clinical
