PSM 6815 Psychopathology: Child, Adolescent and Adult

This course provides a framework for exploring the range of psychopathology as presented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). The class will focus on description, etiology, assessment and diagnosis of major categories of mental illness across the lifespan (child, adolescent and adult). The student will become familiar with multiaxial assessment and diagnosis. Developmental, environmental and dynamic elements of etiology will be considered in the context of case studies. Evaluation and management of high-risk clients and the preparation of mental status exams and intake summaries will be covered. At the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of psychopathology and apply critical thinking to questions of diagnosis in mental health counseling. 2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of multiaxial assessment and differential diagnosis. 4. Demonstrate an understanding of etiology and diagnosis for all major diagnostic categories. 5. Demonstrate an empathic awareness of a typical client?s experience with at least one major pathology. 6. Demonstrate an ability to complete mental status exams and to prepare intake summaries. 7. Demonstrate an ability to screen for suicidal and homicidal intent and to effectively manage suicidal, homicidal and other high-risk clients.

Credits

3