Dissociative Identity Disorder 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.
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.
