PS7009 Psychopathology Across the Lifespan
Report Guidance Notes
Structure of the Report
Choose ONE scenario for your report. The report must be no more than 1,500
words in length. The Report constitutes 50% of the overall grade for the
Portfolio. The deadline for the submission of the report is Wednesday, 14th
January 2015 at 11am.
The proposal should be structured in the following way:
1. Diagnosis
This section should demonstrate that you understand the diagnostic criteria
relevant to the chosen case study and whether the client’s presenting
problems meet such criteria. This section should comprise about 20% of the
proposal, i.e. around 200 words.
2. Clinical conceptualisation
In this section you should identify and discuss the predisposing, precipitating
and maintaining factors of the chosen clinical case. You should integrate
relevant theory and research findings in the discussion of the case. This
section should comprise around 50% of the proposal, i.e. around 800 words.
3. Treatment
In this section you should present a rationale for the proposed treatment
based on empirical evidence. This section should comprise around 30% of the
proposal, i.e. around 500 words.
4. References
Information about the referencing style (APA format) is given in your Field
Guides. The references will not contribute to the word count.Scenario 1
John, a 30-year old man, recently divorced, presents with frequent episodes
of chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and palpitations. He says that
these episodes do not always occur in the same circumstances, although he
is usually out of his house at the time it happens. He feels very anxious when
these episodes occur; on more than one occasion he was worried that he was
having a heart attack. He reports increasing avoidance of social activities,
moodiness, poor sleep, and a low level of energy. He continues to work,
although he finds his job quite stressful. His family relationships appear to be
fine, and he seems to have a settled home life. He takes no medications apart
from aspirin occasionally for headache and he reports no drug or alcohol use.
His physical examination is normal.
Scenario 2
Kate is a 27 year old recruitment consultant. Her difficulties began about a
year ago. On the way to a job interview she got stuck in traffic and ended up
arriving late. She felt anxious and “rushed” on arrival. The interview started
well but suddenly she experienced intense anxiety. She did not get the job.
Currently Kate reports extreme anxiety before the recruitment interviews
which she carries out several times per week as part of her job. She saw her
GP who prescribed beta-blockers which she takes before every interview
situation but which only help a bit. Kate is more comfortable when she
interviews candidates in small groups or one-to-one, rather than in large
groups. She is also less worried about her anxiety if she is interviewing
women of her own age or younger. She avoids interviewing male, senior
clients, especially in groups. Kate also avoids giving presentations at
meetings; she feels too scared that she will be too anxious and that people
will notice how frightened she gets. She reports no other major problems; she
is a little shy, and her mood is generally stable.
Scenario 3
Samantha, a 22-year-old, has panic-like symptoms when exposed to certain
bugs, spiders in particular. She reports intense fear when confronted with
spiders, and varying amounts of fear (not as intense) when she comes across
any other bug resembling a spider. Her symptoms have existed for as long as
she can remember. She rarely ventures into the garage or attic, and prior to
going to bed each evening her husband must thoroughly inspect the bedroom.
She refuses to go to certain places in case spiders might be present. She
admits that she has never been bitten by a spider, is embarrassed about her
reaction, and realizes that spiders and bugs are rarely dangerous; however,
she is sometimes overwhelmed by fearful thoughts that all spiders are
aggressive and threatening, and her fears are affecting her willingness to go
places and engage in some activities. PS7009 Psychopathology Across the Lifespan
Report Marking Criteria
1. Structure (15%)
Coherent and logical, well-constructed.
2. Diagnosis (20%)
Understanding of the diagnostic criteria for a given disorder and whether the
client’s presenting problems meet such criteria.
3. Clinical conceptualisation (30%)
Ability to identify and discuss the predisposing, precipitating and maintaining
factors of a given clinical case; ability to integrate relevant theory and
research findings in the discussion of the case.
4. Treatment (20%)
Rationale for the proposed treatment is clearly presented and based on
empirical evidence; treatment interventions are clearly outlined.
5. Writing style and presentation (15%)
Writing style was appropriate for the task. Clarity, accuracy, citations,
referencing, proof reading.Guideline Criteria for Marking Case Study Report
70% + Superbly written; no unnecessary material. Discusses the case in
detail, and presents ideas coherently and logically. Draws links to
the relevant theory and empirical research. Demonstrates
excellent understanding of the relevant literature for the given
disorder. The proposed treatment plan is evidence based.
Excellent ability to integrate relevant theory and research findings
in the conceptualisation of a clinical case.
60-69% Discusses the case in detail, making good use of relevant theory
and research. Presents ideas coherently and systematically, with
good explanations of these ideas. Demonstrates good
understanding the relevant literature for the given disorder. The
proposed treatment plan is evidence based. Good ability to
integrate relevant theory and research findings in the
conceptualisation of a clinical case.
50-59% Demonstrates some expertise in understanding the relevant
literature, but with some omissions. Discusses the case with a
reasonable level of detail. Coherent. Fairly clear explanations.
Some weaknesses in understanding the relevant issues. The
proposed treatment plan is not fully supported by evidence. Some
weaknesses in the ability to integrate relevant theory and
research findings in the conceptualisation of a clinical case.
40%-49% Fail Shows some grasp of the key points. Demonstrates some
expertise in understanding the relevant theory and research
evidence. The level of detail and clarity are not as advanced as
the higher grades. May show some significant lack of
understanding of the relevant issues. The proposed treatment
plan may not be fully supported by the evidence. The material is
somewhat disorganised and lacks structure. Clear weaknesses in
the ability to integrate theory and research findings in the
conceptualisation of a clinical case.
Fail Disorganised; lacking clarity and structure. Fails to discuss
relevant theory and research findings, or to clearly outline the
relevant issues. Poor understanding of the relevant literature and
how it may inform the conceptualisation and treatment of the
presented case.
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