1. Dissociative Identity Disorder and PTSD (Dr Brad Wright)

DID is a very different disorder to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but some have

suggested that the aetiology and treatment share similarities. Describe each of these conditions and

then emphasize the similarities and differences in aetiology, diagnosis and treatment.

Starting references:

Barlow, D., Durand, Vincent Mark, & Hofmann, Stefan G. (2017). Abnormal psychology: An

integrative approach (8th ed.). Cengage Learning, Inc. (Chapter 6).

Chalavi, S., Vissia, E. M., Giesen, M. E., Nijenhuis, E. R., Draijer, N., Barker, G. J., … & Reinders,

A. A. (2015). Similar cortical but not subcortical gray matter abnormalities in women with

posttraumatic stress disorder with versus without dissociative identity disorder. Psychiatry

Research: Neuroimaging, 231(3), 308-319.

Ozer, E.J., Best, S.R., Lipsey, T.L., & Weiss, D.D. (2003).Predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder

and symptoms in adults: A meta- analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 129, 52-73

Aims:

The aim of this piece is for you to introduce both of these disorders and compare and contrast the

conditions in aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. You have a variety of ways available to structure your

piece, but the marking guide below should serve to remind you what content must be covered. The

starting references should introduce you to the topic, but you are required to move well beyond these

introductory texts and describe for instance, the empirical data that has sought to assess the efficacy of

various treatments for these conditions.

Do not merely summarise the articles you find, but seek to integrate their content to build your

arguments. The information you gather will primarily lead to your conclusions, but you also have some

licence (small amount) to use your own opinion to discuss the material you gather.

Marks will be allocated in the following manner:

Introduction of PTSD and DID (historical overview, incidence etc of each disorder) – 10%

DID and PTSD similarities (aetiology, diagnosis, treatment) – 25%

DID and PTSD differences (aetiology, diagnosis, treatment) – 25%

Argument justification and Conclusions – 20%

Presentation, Expression, References & APA – 20%

Total Marks /100

Detailed guide to marks

Introduction of PTSD and DID – 10%

8-10 Exceptionally clear introduction about PTSD and DID, excellent highlighting of the history

of these disorders including incidence, demographics, etc.

5-7 Reasonable attempt at introduction about PTSD and DID and highlighting the history of

these disorders including incidence, demographics, etc. Has set context of essay, but did not

deserve top marks here

0-4 Has not understood what was required – limited and not very convincing version of the above

DID and PTSD similarities – 25%

8-10 Exceptionally clear and complete review and critical evaluation and interpretation of relevant

research. Has used a thorough review of the literature to deliverer a polished account of the

reported associations in a thoughtful, planned way.

5-7 Generally sound but somewhat incomplete review and critical evaluation and interpretation

of the research. Has attempted to describe the literature, but has not provided a well-

integrated account.

0-4 Has made an attempt, but it is not comprehensive, and/or has done little to describe the

literature

DID and PTSD differences– 25%

8-10 Exceptionally clear and complete review and critical evaluation and interpretation of relevant

research. Has used a thorough review of the literature to deliverer a polished account of the

reported differences in a thoughtful, planned way.

5-7 Generally sound but somewhat incomplete review and critical evaluation and interpretation

of the research. Has attempted to describe the literature, but has not provided a well-

integrated account.

0-4 Has made an attempt, but it is not comprehensive, and/or has done little to describe the

literature

Argument justification and Conclusion– 4 marks

8-10 Exceptional. Has provided empirical and/or theoretical views outlining position. Position is

logically and coherently argued

5-7 Generally sound. Has attempted to integrate argument with the literature, but has done so

clumsily.

0-4 Has not made much of an attempt and/or mainly just repeating points already made in the

essay.

Presentation, Expression, References & APA– 4 marks

8-10 Very good both in-text and Reference list. Typed, double-spaced, sections start where

they should (i.e., new page for references), paragraphs indented, no excessive quotes,

word limit adhered to, expression fluent, no typos. Nice linking and own words were

used.

5-7 Good, but not as fluent, occasional typo is OK. Any of the following referencing issues

would reduce them to this category: Poor in-text referencing, doesn’t use hanging indent;

not alphabetical, journal title has no capital letters or is not in italics, place/publisher in

someway incorrect. Might have gone over word limit.

0-4 Ordinary presentation for assorted reasons (mostly none of the above expectations). Zero

references, or no reference section. Has definitely gone over word limit.