This manual is for PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 2, start to submission. Diagnosing Using the DSM asks you to analyze several brief case studies, usually supplied in the courseroom, and apply DSM-5 criteria to each: identify the symptoms, match them to the criteria for a diagnosis such as major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder or bipolar I disorder, and recommend evidence-based treatments. The grade turns on matching specific symptoms to specific criteria. Naming a diagnosis without showing the criteria met scores low. Below is the method our tutors use, a structure that maps to the criteria, and an annotated sample excerpt. Prefer to hand it off? A premium original sample for this exact assessment comes back in 24 to 48 hours, revised free until it meets the guide. Capella's catalog lists the course as PSYC-FPX3110, and some courserooms print PSYC3110; both point to this same Assessment 2. In current courserooms this assessment typically appears as "Diagnosing Using the DSM".
One honesty note before the manual: Capella revises courses and scoring guides over time, so always write to the exact scoring guide attached to your assessment in the courseroom. The course identity above is verified on capella.edu; the method and structure below are our tutors' approach to it, not Capella's official rubric text.
How PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 2 is scored
FlexPath does not use letter grades. Each criterion in the scoring guide lands on one of four levels, and the level descriptions are the real writing brief:
| Level | What it means on a DSM diagnosis analysis |
|---|---|
| Distinguished | The DSM diagnosis analysis is specific to the organization or case, applies course concepts accurately with credible sources, and ends in justified conclusions or recommendations. |
| Proficient | The DSM diagnosis analysis is accurate, but the application or recommendations are general. |
| Basic | The DSM diagnosis analysis describes concepts with little application. |
| Non-performance | A required part of the DSM diagnosis analysis is missing. |
Use the DSM-5-TR criteria and the cases your courseroom provides.
The PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 2 method, step by step
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Read each case
List symptoms, duration and impairment.
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Match criteria
For the candidate diagnosis.
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Rule out alternatives
Other diagnoses considered.
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State the diagnosis
With specifiers where relevant.
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Recommend treatment
Evidence-based therapy and medication.
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Cite sources
DSM and treatment research.
A structure that maps to the criteria
Word counts are planning targets our tutors use, not Capella rules; follow the length and format your scoring guide states.
| Section | What it must do | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Case 1 analysis | Criteria and diagnosis. | ~125 words |
| Case 2 analysis | Criteria and diagnosis. | ~125 words |
| Case 3 analysis | Criteria and diagnosis. | ~125 words |
| Treatment recommendations and references | Then references. | ~100 words |
Annotated sample excerpt
An original model excerpt from our team, written to show the register that reaches the top of the guide. Learn the moves, then write your own version.
Jenny reports depressed mood most of the day, loss of interest in activities she used to enjoy, poor sleep, fatigue and feelings of worthlessness for the past six weeks, with her work performance declining.1 That is five symptoms, including depressed mood and loss of interest, lasting more than two weeks and causing impairment, which meets the DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder, provided there is no history of mania and the symptoms are not due to a substance or medical condition.2 Cognitive-behavioral therapy, alone or with an antidepressant, is a first-line evidence-based treatment.3
- 1Lists symptoms from the case.
- 2Matches them to criteria with exclusions.
- 3Recommends evidence-based treatment.
The full premium sample for your exact assessment, written fresh to your scoring guide and topic, is free to request. Study it, revise it into your own voice, and submit work you understand.
The five mistakes that cost Distinguished
- Definitions without application. Apply each concept to the organization or case.
- No sources. Cite credible business sources.
- Vague recommendations. Make them specific and justified.
- Diagnosis without criteria. Show each criterion met.
Pre-submission checklist
- Symptoms listed
- Criteria matched
- Alternatives ruled out
- Diagnoses stated
- Treatments recommended
- References
Want the DSM diagnosis analysis written?
Send the scoring guide and any materials from your courseroom. Our team returns a premium original DSM diagnosis analysis in 24 to 48 hours, revised free until it meets the guide.