MPO 526 Psychopathology
This course is designed to provide a theoretical background for implicit and explicit diagnostic systems in child and adult psychopathology. An emphasis is placed on understanding causality and causal models. The student is expected to apply causal concepts to conceptualize the etiology and maintenance of psychopathology, both theoretically and for clinical case examples. These concepts are reviewed during the first two classes followed by a weekly review and discussion of the major diagnostic categories. An emphasis is placed on understanding the impact of culture and diversity in addition to basic biopsychological processes on the manifestation and reporting of symptomatology and on understanding resilience. A history of the diagnostic system is covered. Current and past DSM diagnoses will be examined and the student is expected to master diagnostic criteria for the major DSM-5 diagnoses along with developing an understanding of the history of disorders and how cultural factors can impact the manifestation and presentation of disorders. Knowledge will be applied to symptom recognition and differentiation through the use of written vignettes, patient videotapes, and movies. The course contributes to the American Psychological Association Accreditation requirements for foundational knowledge in Individual Differences. By the end of the course students should be able to: 1) Describe the theoretical background for modern diagnostic systems in adult and child psychopathology; 2) Apply causal concepts to conceptualize the etiology and maintenance of disorders; 3) Understand the impact of culture and diversity issues on the manifestation and reporting of symptomatology; 4) Complete a differential diagnosis utilizing the major disorders from the DSM 5.