Week 1 Discussion

The discussion assignment provides a forum to discuss the relevant topics for this week based on the course competencies covered. For this assignment, there are two parts. Make sure to answer all questions. Provide a detailed response to the topic questions in the Discussion Area. For this assignment, post your responses directly in the Discussion Area by the due date assigned. Do not use attached documents.

To support your work, make sure to utilize your course and text readings. When asked, also utilize outside sources. As in all assignments, make sure to cite your sources in your work and provide references for those citations utilizing APA format.

Start reviewing and responding to the postings of your classmates as early in the week as possible. Respond to at least two of your classmates. Participate in the discussion by asking a question, providing a statement of clarification, providing a point of view with a rationale, challenging an aspect of the discussion, or indicating a relationship between one or more lines of reasoning in the discussion. Complete your participation for this assignment by the end of the week.

The diagnosis of a mental disorder is based on a specific set of criteria derived from case studies and research. DSM-5 provides a system of diagnosing mental disorders based on established symptoms and conditions. A diagnosis is a shorthand method to describe a set of particular symptoms for a disorder. Improper use of a diagnosis can have a negative impact when it is used to label individuals.

• Review current information on the use of the DSM-5 and explain how diagnostic criteria are used to establish a mental illness.


• Describe some of the issues regarding labeling individuals with a mental disorder. Explain some ways in which the mental health field and the public in general have lessened this issue.