Brain and Behavior: the Child

Catalog description

This course provides an orientation to current understandings of genetic, environmental, and biological bases of child and adolescent disorders, with particular emphasis on understanding brain mechanisms that may underlie psychological problems. Emphasis is also placed on current approaches to drug therapies for children and adolescents, to demonstrate how and where medications can contribute to effective treatment. Frequently voiced philosophical, ethical, and legal concerns regarding biological factors and drug treatments for young people are discussed, along with the risks and benefits of drug therapies. Generally offered in Winter Quarter. Required for students in MFT Child Studies Specialization; may be open to others.