Case history on Robin Williams

Step 1: The Case History
Topic
Select a famous person or character from television, film, literature, or history. The person does not need to have been actually diagnosed with a mental disorder, but a case should be able to be made for the existence of one. The selected person will be the focus of study for the entire class, so choosing someone personally interesting and with a well-documented life is advantageous.
Audience
Imagine that you are writing a professional report that will be included in the medical file of the person in your case. You are communicating with other professionals who have a basic understanding of the Biopsychosocial Model and the DSM. However, do not assume that they have knowledge of the case.
Format
Papers should be 3 pages maximum (double spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins). Because you are learning to write in a psychology class, the paper should generally conform to APA style. Writing in APA style is professional. APA style also requires that all sources, including the textbook, must be cited in the text and listed alphabetically in a section at the end of the paper labeled “References.” Cite all sources used, and that includes the source of diagnostic criteria (i.e., the textbook). There are APA style guides and links to helpful APA websites on Brightspace.
Sections
Part 1: Background history. Report on the person’s personal history focusing on the significant factors related to the mental disorder. The focus of this section is on exploring aspects of the person’s life that might relate to the disorder. Do not simply write a short biography.
Part 2: Signs and symptoms of mental disorder. Report all of the signs and symptoms of the mental disorder that the person exhibits. Signs and symptoms are found in the DSM-5 criteria for mental disorders. Although it is not necessary to copy DSM-5 criteria exactly, I should be able to identify which criteria the person meets from the description of symptoms. If the person does not meet the required criteria exactly, make a compelling case for why he or she should still receive the diagnosis. If undiagnosed signs and symptoms are presented, explain why that disorder was not diagnosed.
Part 3: Diagnosis. Using bullet points, list the diagnosis and which criteria are met. Provide only one diagnosis. The information in the signs and symptoms of a mental disorder section should provide support as to how the person meets diagnostic criteria for the mental illness. Please pick a specific point in the person’s life in order to make the diagnosis rather attempting to assign a diagnosis for their whole life.

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