STEP 1: Imagine that your friend has been diagnosed with either a dissociative disorder or a somatic symptom disorder. They have asked you to help them explain the diagnosis to their family.

• What information do you think is most important to help the family understand what is happening and what they can do to help?
• How will you explain the etiology of the disorder?
• How will you explain the options for treatment?
• Locate and provide two websites that families can refer to for help or information. What can they learn from these websites?

STEP 2: Post your reply (in at least 250 words) in the discussion forum. Your response should include a clear stance on the issue with supporting evidence as to why you feel the way you do. Show that you can think critically on the topic by integrating your own thoughts, analysis, or experiences.

STEP 3: Respond in two separate posts to two classmates (in at least 75 words). Explicitly address their responses and try to extend, complicate, or redirect their points in a substantive, knowledge-demonstrating way.