| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Psychology |
| Lesson Topic: Diagnostic criteria, symptoms, explanations and treatments for a variety of mental and behavioural disorders/conditions |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe DSM‑5 diagnostic criteria and key symptoms for major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar I, OCD and PTSD.
- Explain at least two biological, cognitive and behavioural explanations for each disorder.
- Compare evidence‑based treatments and identify the most appropriate intervention for different disorders.
- Apply knowledge by analysing a case vignette to determine likely diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen for slides
- PowerPoint presentation with DSM‑5 tables and diagrams
- Handouts summarising symptoms, explanations and treatments
- Case study worksheets for group work
- Whiteboard and markers
- Clickers or online poll tool for quick checks
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Introduction:
Begin with a brief video clip illustrating a person experiencing depressive symptoms to hook students. Ask learners what they already know about how mental health disorders are diagnosed and treated, linking to prior A‑Level content. Explain that today they will master the DSM‑5 criteria, key explanations and evidence‑based interventions for a range of disorders, and that they will be assessed on their ability to apply this knowledge in a case analysis.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5’) – quick quiz on DSM‑5 basics via clickers.
- Mini‑lecture (15’) – overview of diagnostic criteria and symptom clusters for depressive and anxiety disorders, using slides and diagrams.
- Interactive activity (10’) – small groups match symptoms to the correct disorder using handouts.
- Case study analysis (20’) – groups receive a vignette, identify diagnosis, discuss explanations and propose treatment; teacher circulates.
- Whole‑class debrief (10’) – groups present findings; teacher highlights similarities/differences across disorders and clarifies misconceptions.
- Summary & exit ticket (5’) – students complete a one‑minute write‑up naming two disorders, their core criteria, and one evidence‑based treatment.
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Conclusion:
Recap the main diagnostic criteria, explanatory models and treatment options covered, emphasizing how they interrelate. Use an exit ticket where students list one disorder, its core symptoms and a suitable intervention to reinforce retrieval. Assign homework to read a selected textbook chapter and prepare a brief written case formulation for a disorder of their choice.
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