PSYC 2221 Psychology of Mental Illness

PSYC 2221: Psychology of Mental Illness

Description

Psychology of Mental Illness provides students with historical and current views of significant patterns of behavior disorders. Examines the etiology of disorders, symptom patterns, assessment and classification, prevention and treatment, and current issues in the mental health field. Attention is given to how social variables such as race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status affect the determination of abnormality.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

None

Corequisite

None

Topics to be Covered

1. History of Mental Illness

2. Models of Mental Illness

3. Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment

4. Discussion of identified Mental Illnesses including Anxiety, Mood, Stress, and Addictive illnesses; Schizophrenia, Somatoform, and Dissociate illnesses; Personality illnesses; Mental Illnesses of childhood and adolescence; and laws, society, and the mental health profession.

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate significant historical and contemporary theoretical and treatment perspectives associated with mental illness.

2. Identify principal research methods and types of questions that emerge in the science of mental illness.

3. Distinguish between typical and atypical behavior.

4. Identify the characteristics, strengths, and limitations of the current diagnostic system (DSM).

5. Describe the epidemiology, etiology, assessment, symptoms, and scientifically validated treatments of specific mental illness.

6. Describe how diversity in age, race, culture, gender, identifiers, orientation, and class is related to understanding psychological processes.

7. Explain how psychologists use their understanding of the APA Ethics Code and legal system to guide decisions in clinical and legal situations.

8. Apply psychological constructs to understand and improve intrapersonal, interpersonal and intercultural dysfunction (e. g. case studies).

9. Demonstrate the ability to engage in class discussions and efficiently complete quizzes/exams/other assignments

Credit Details

Lecture: 3

Lab: 0

OJT: 0

MnTC Goal Area(s): Goal Area 05 - History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Goal Area 07 - Human Diversity

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies

Goal Area 05: History and the Social and Behavioral Science

1. employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.

2. examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.

3. use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

Goal Area 07: Human Diversity

2. demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.

3. analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.

4. describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.