Your second research/writing assignment is called “A prescription for health” but you might think of it as a treatment plan. To begin, you need to pick a disorder of the endocrine system or a childhood disorder/disease such as autism or A.D.D. to research and write about. Topic must be approved by the instructor.

In the first section of the paper you are asked to think creatively.  In one paragraph describe the hypothetical patient (sex, age, ethnicity, demeanor, manner of dress) and particularly the reason for the visit.  Then you are to make a preliminary diagnosis based on the information available on that presentation. (Again a sentence or two).

Now use the available medical and/or psychological research to educate the patient about the disorder/disease. This should be the longest part of the paper and should provide sufficient detail but in a language the patient can understand (paraphrase, but these information came from somewhere and that sources needs to be cited (Author, year) in the text, and any cited source needs a reference in APA format at the end of the paper.  An important part of the educational process is etiology, or why this disorder/disease occurs. There can be several possible causes, so be fair and mention “several” but evaluate the evidence in light of your hypothetical patient always trying to help the patient to understand the condition.  

Next, offer a preliminary prognosis.  Again, this should not be more than a paragraph in length, but be careful, this prognosis is always contingent upon the patient’s compliance with your treatment plan. How would a professional healthcare provider evaluate patient compliance?  

Conclude the paper by outlining a treatment plan for the patient to follow. You may set up a follow-up contact and you may include an “in case of an emergency” number of plan of action.

Attached is a sample but the topic should be a patient who comes in with symptoms of ADHD