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Forensic Psychology: Derek’s Case Study
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Capella University
PSYC-FPX3130: Criminal Psychology and Behavior
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Introduction
Crime refers to actions or omissions that contravene laws prohibiting or mandating
certain conduct, with various penalties applicable upon conviction. Thus, criminal behavior is
defined as activities that violate the criminal code. For a person to be found guilty of a crime,
they must have acted with intent and without justification or excuse (Bartol & Bartol, 2020).
Violators of a criminal event are treated with disparity and the offender’s background is
considered. When assessing an individual charged with a crime, factors such as the
circumstances of the event, economic and social status, motivation, sex, race, and ethnicity are
considered.
DSM-5-TR Evaluation: Bipolar 1 Disorder
, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM) is one of the
most shared classification systems of mental health disorders. This manual, developed by the
American Psychiatric Association (APA), uses a common language and classifications for
physicians to diagnose and treat. Since its initial release in 1952, the manual has evolved over
time, with the current edition of DSM-5-TR (Veldmeijer et al., 2024). The following evaluation
was based on the history provided about Derek, from the age of five until he became a young
adult.
According to the APA (2022), bipolar 1 disorder is a manic-depressive state with a
definitive manic episode. Bipolar 1 disorder does not require a major depressive episode for
diagnosis, but it is still possible for depression to occur during a post-manic phase. A manic
episode is defined as a duration of at least one week characterized by an unusually elevated and
irritable mood, accompanied by persistently increased activity or energy (APA, 2022). During
this episode, three or more of these symptoms are present and the individual presents with
Forensic Psychology: Derek’s Case Study
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Capella University
PSYC-FPX3130: Criminal Psychology and Behavior
2
Introduction
Crime refers to actions or omissions that contravene laws prohibiting or mandating
certain conduct, with various penalties applicable upon conviction. Thus, criminal behavior is
defined as activities that violate the criminal code. For a person to be found guilty of a crime,
they must have acted with intent and without justification or excuse (Bartol & Bartol, 2020).
Violators of a criminal event are treated with disparity and the offender’s background is
considered. When assessing an individual charged with a crime, factors such as the
circumstances of the event, economic and social status, motivation, sex, race, and ethnicity are
considered.
DSM-5-TR Evaluation: Bipolar 1 Disorder
, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM) is one of the
most shared classification systems of mental health disorders. This manual, developed by the
American Psychiatric Association (APA), uses a common language and classifications for
physicians to diagnose and treat. Since its initial release in 1952, the manual has evolved over
time, with the current edition of DSM-5-TR (Veldmeijer et al., 2024). The following evaluation
was based on the history provided about Derek, from the age of five until he became a young
adult.
According to the APA (2022), bipolar 1 disorder is a manic-depressive state with a
definitive manic episode. Bipolar 1 disorder does not require a major depressive episode for
diagnosis, but it is still possible for depression to occur during a post-manic phase. A manic
episode is defined as a duration of at least one week characterized by an unusually elevated and
irritable mood, accompanied by persistently increased activity or energy (APA, 2022). During
this episode, three or more of these symptoms are present and the individual presents with
