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PYC3712 Assignment 1 (QUALITY ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026

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This document provides detailed workings, clear explanations, and well-structured solutions for the PYC3712 Assignment 1 (QUALITY ANSWERS) Semester 1 2026 - For assistance call or Whats-App us on 0.8.1..2.7.8..3.3.7.2 ... Case study Simonny is a 24-year-old unemployed man who lives alone. He is the only child of his parents. On his 21st birthday, his parents surprised him with a newly built house in a neighbouring village. Simonny barely lived in the house and decided to move out a year later. He now lives in a two-roomed shack located on his grandfather’s farm, further from the village and without any neighbours. His decision to abandon the house his parents built caused them considerable emotional distress. When questioned about why he left the house, he said very little, as he is considered to be “a man of few words.” Despite the emotional distress his parents experienced, Simonny remained emotionally blunt and never bothered to provide reasons for abandoning the house. Simonny spends all his time alone, shows no interest in socialising, and avoids any activities that require him to interact with people. Going to the shops makes him extremely uncomfortable, as he does not like interacting with others. Cashiers at the shops regard him as cold, as he does not respond to light-hearted jokes and appears emotionally aloof. Simonny has never been in an intimate relationship and does not desire to be in one. He does not have any friends, and the only people he speaks to, albeit infrequently, are his parents. Simonny derives pleasure from farming activities and spends most of his time on the farm attending to his garden crops. Question 1 [15] Classify Simmony’s abnormal behaviour according to the DSM-5-TR classification system and justify your answer. Question 2 [10] Provide two differential diagnoses that should be considered based on Simmony’s behaviour and discuss why these diagnoses are less suitable. Total mark: [25] 2 PYC3712/2026 Marking Rubric Question 1: Diagnostic and clinical features Criterion Excellent (7-10) Good (5-6) Satisfactory (3-4) Poor (0-2) Understanding of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and justification of diagnosis (10) Accurate, comprehensive description of core DSM-5-TR criteria with correct terminology and justification Mostly accurate description; minor omissions or inaccuracies with some justification Basic understanding; several criteria missing or unclear and limited justification Minimal or incorrect understanding of criteria and poor justification Criterion Excellent (4-5) Good (3) Satisfactory (2) Poor (0-1) Conceptual clarity and coherence (5) Wellstructured, logically organised, and clearly expressed Generally clear and coherent Some lack clarity or organisation Disorganised and unclear Question 2: Differential diagnosis Criterion Mark Identification of disorders 2 Clear and justified description of the differential diagnosis 5 Conceptual clarity and use of appropriate academic language

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PYC3712
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026

Unique number:

Due Date: March 2026



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 Helpful answers and guidelines
 Detailed explanations and/ or calculations
 References




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, QUESTION 1

DSM-5-TR CLASSIFICATION AND DIAGNOSTIC JUSTIFICATION OF
SIMONNY’S BEHAVIOUR

The case of Simonny presents a long-standing pattern of social withdrawal,
emotional detachment and limited interpersonal functioning. In order to classify his
behaviour accurately, it is necessary to apply the diagnostic criteria outlined in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision and
integrate theoretical understanding of abnormal behaviour (American Psychiatric
Association 2022; Sue, Sue and Sue 2022). Based on the information provided,
Simonny’s presentation is most consistent with Schizoid Personality Disorder.

DSM 5 TR Classification

According to the DSM 5 TR, Schizoid Personality Disorder is classified under Cluster
A personality disorders. These disorders are characterised by odd or eccentric
patterns of thinking and behaviour. The core feature of Schizoid Personality Disorder
is a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range
of emotional expression in interpersonal settings (American Psychiatric Association
2022).

The DSM 5 TR specifies that the individual must show at least four characteristic
features, including neither desiring nor enjoying close relationships, almost always
choosing solitary activities, little interest in sexual experiences with another person,
taking pleasure in few activities, lacking close friends, appearing indifferent to praise
or criticism, and showing emotional coldness or flattened affect (American
Psychiatric Association 2022).

Application of Diagnostic Criteria to the Case

Simonny demonstrates a clear and consistent preference for solitude. He lives alone
in a remote shack and avoids social interaction. He shows no interest in forming
friendships or intimate relationships and has never been involved in one. This
satisfies the criterion of neither desiring nor enjoying close relationships.




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