Put psychopathology into action to help patients, identify abnormal behavior, and diagnose mental illnesses.
What’s the difference between mental illness and abnormal behavior? Tackle this question and dive into the world of mental health to explore illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and dissociative identity disorder. Analyze real-life case studies, uncover how cultural and historical factors shape our view of abnormal behavior, and learn about culturally sensitive assessment practices. Delve into the biological, psychological, and sociocultural theories that inform psychopathology, and explore the 4Ds—deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger—to see how mental health professionals use them in diagnoses. Discover how psychologists and therapists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to understand criteria for various mental illnesses. Explore treatment options, including controversial “off-label” drug choices, and debate the ethics of using untested treatments. With a solid foundation in the research and DSM, put theory into practice to help patients in traditional and non-traditional healthcare settings.
What you'll do
Dive Into Diagnostics
Examine patient files and therapists’ notes, and analyze recorded sections of therapy sessions. These clinical practicums sharpen your observation and analysis skills.
Make a Care Plan
Interview a mock patient to see if they meet the criteria for a mental illness diagnosis. Then, put together a care plan that could include treatments like medication, talk therapy, or group therapy.
Study the Evidence
Explore different standards of care and treatment methods through case studies, and see how trauma and culture can determine care for children, veterans, and minority groups.
Explore Ethics
Guided by American Psychological Association criteria, consider the sometimes thorny ethical issues around psychiatric care, including whether it’s ever okay to withhold diagnostic information from a patient.
