Dissociative Disorders
For some time, criminal defendants and their attorneys have attempted to introduce mental health issues into the court setting. Indeed, the legal system has recognized that certain behaviors, prompted by mental health diagnoses, need to be taken into account when dealing with a defendant. Arguably, no diagnosis given in this area is more controversial than dissociative disorders. Many defendants, with little success, have attempted to use dissociative symptoms in hopes of mitigating their responsibility of alleged criminal wrongdoing. Therefore, it is especially important to know this area of disorders and how they are diagnosed.
To prepare:
- Review this week’s Learning Resources.
- Focus on Chapter 8 of your text, and on the dissociative disorder classifications in the DSM-5.
- Consider the challenges dissociative disorders might present to a forensic psychology professional in a legal setting.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 4 a comparison (similarities and differences) of dissociative identity disorder and one other dissociative disorder. Highlight the difference between the disorders in a way that allows you to accurately distinguish between the two when making a diagnosis. Then explain challenges dissociative disorders might present to forensic psychology professionals when introduced in a legal setting.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.
