2. Personal Statement I have always had a long term interest in psychology. The brain is fascinating and intrigues me. I have now completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and have applied for the Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology.
3. Resume Gidget Simpson RR 3 Box 18 Cisne, IL. 62823 618-516-4193 Goal/Objective: To seek admission in the Argosy University Graduate program. Work History: CILA CORPORATION: 2003-Present I am administrative assistant. I first started with this company, as a “hands on” aide. I received training as a direct service personnel. I worked with many of our clients, helping them learn everyday living skills. I then became the administrative assistant in 2004. I attend many of the resident’s ISP meetings, learn and assess their behavioral plans and their learning skills. I have also become very familiar with the diagnosis of all residents, and many medications and side effects. This job has been a huge asset to me. This position has allowed me to learn many skills pertained to psychology and the benefit for our residents. WFIW Radio: 1991-1995 My main duties were secretarial; answering phones, typing advertising. This was a great stepping stone for me. I did community work through the Ruritan Club, which was part of volunteer work for the radio station. Scholastic History: Fairfield Community High School: 1988-1991 I was active in Spanish Club, Future Business Leaders of America. High honor roll every semester. Frontier Community College: 1991-1993 Dean’s List 1991-1992 President’s List 1992-1993 Graduated with Associates Degree in Science Argosy University: 2009-Present I have gained so much through Argosy’s academic program. I have found the advisors to be a huge asset in my career path. Argosy’s rich academic heritage is necessary in obtaining the excellent education I have received.
4. Reflection In reflection of my academic status over the last year, I have gained many things. I was timid about researching and writing. I was overwhelmed with due dates and timelines, but all of those things made me the precise, punctional, competent person that I strive to be today. I thrive on knowledge and enjoy learning.
5. Table of Contents “ Emotional and mental disorder is widespread in human society.” (Ingram, 1996: 142) In American culture it is considered bad to have hallucinations, but in many other cultures, hallucinations are interpreted as mystical visions from spirit forces. “Throughout history, humans feared psychological disorders, often associating them with evil. (Argosy 2011)” The cultures of ethnic minorities influence many aspects of mental illness, including how patients from a certain culture communicate and manifest their symptoms, their coping. their family and also how different cultures diagnose. The determination to declare someone with a psychological disorder is always just a judgment about behavior. “Most often culture bears upon whether people even seek help in the first place, what type of help they seek, and how much stigma they attach to mental illness. (Surgeon General 2009) Culture is a concept not limited to patients, but it also applies to the professionals who provide treatment to them. References: Ingram, S. (1996) Mental Health Culture; Retrieved 6/21/11 from: www.imamreza.net/eng/imamreza.com Argosy 2011 (u.a.) 2009 United States Surgeon General; Retrieved 6/21/11 from: www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth
6. Critical Thinking Biological Anomalies Pg 1 3/12/10 Gidget Simpson Argosy University ABSTRACT This is a review of an 18 year old that has been severely depressed. He recently has experienced severe mood swings and is not recognizing his family and friends. Biological Anomalies Pg 2 3/12/10 Gidget Simpson Argosy University Recently, an 18 year old was admitted to the unit for severe depression. This patient is usually calm and quiet, but has been non stop talking the past 24 hours. We will review what might be going on with this young man. “Most developmental theorists consider that crime originates early in life and the commencement of antisocial behavior is the best predictor of later, more serious criminality.” (Argosy 2011) We are reviewing this young man’s history, of what could possibly affecting him with the non-stop talking, and inability to recognize his family. These are even more complicated symptoms, of the otherwise depression he was facing. This young man seems to be experiencing severe mood swings, which could possibly be symptoms of many biological “diseases.” While reviewing many mental disorders, ADHD of course came up with symptoms of non stop talking, but not necessarily of inability to recognize people that have always been in your life. ADHD causes non stop talking, poor self esteem, and irritability. “Genetic traits that increase the likeliness of criminal behavior are impulsitivity, low frustration tolerance, learning disabilities, poor verbal skills, deficit and prosocial behaviors. “ (American Psychiatric Association 2000). This young man is also being reviewed for Asperger’s Syndrome. This is a neurobiological disorder, considered to be part of the autism spectrum. Exact cause of this condition is actually unknown. Many researchers believe it has a hereditary component. This is a common syndrome that has non stop talking and severe mood swings, also an symptoms. Molecular genetics can also point to combinations of genes that may “nudge behavior”. “We know that in most societies, male socialization predominately reinforces aggression and assertiveness.” (Argosy 2011) This young man seems to have all of the symptoms of manic depression and bipolar. Biological Anomalies Pg 3 3/12/10 Gidget Simpson Argosy University “Bipolar is a disorder that is marked by extreme modifications in mood, energy, thinking and behavior.” (American Psychiatric Association 2000). Bipolar symptoms may start at an early age, but actually not surface until adulthood. Most typical symptoms include: Full manic episodes Agitation Hyperactivity Increased activity Racing thoughts Reckless Behavior Difficulty remembering The above symptoms listed most describe the young man’s description. It explains the extreme depression, and sudden on set of mood swings, non stop talking and the inability to remember family members and friends. There are also procedures to follow to help determine if this young man is suffering from manic depression and bipolar disorder. Thorough examination on the patient, examining his family history, observe behavior and mood swings, and perform complete bloodwork. These things will help determine the proper treatment for this young man. There are many drugs available for the ability to stabilize moods, for people that suffer with bipolar disorder. “Human physiology is extremely complex” (Argosy 2011) Human antisocial behavior, behavior correlates of neutotransmitters (Schulkin, 1999) is focused primarily on mental disorders. (Argosy 2011) Biological Anomalies Pg 4 3/12/10 Gidget Simpson Argosy University References: Argosy 2011 American Psychiatric Association 2000
7. My Future in Learning I enjoy learning. Argosy strives for excellence out of each student. I am very proud that I chose Argosy University when completing my Bachelor’s degree. I also look forward to, and am proud of starting the Master’s program in July 2011.
8. Contact Me Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio. For further information, please contact me at the e-mail address below. tabbys73@wabash.net
