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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Gidget SimpsonBachelor in Psychology

2011

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.

Resume

Gidget SimpsonRR 3 Box 18Cisne, 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, helpingthem learn everyday living skills. I then became the administrative assistant in 2004. I attendmany 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: 1991-1993Dean’s List 1991-1992President’s List 1992-1993Graduated with Associates Degree in Science Argosy University: 2009-PresentI 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.  

 

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.

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

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 SimpsonArgosy 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 episodesAgitation HyperactivityIncreased activityRacing thoughts Reckless BehaviorDifficulty 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

 

             

             

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.

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.

For further information, please contact me at the e-

mail address below. tabbys73@wabash.net