Psychopathology: Principles of the Diagnostic Process

Catalog description

An examination of the developmental factors that lead to the emergence and maintenance of various psychological and interpersonal disorders. Emphasis is on developing skills in recognizing inappropriate and maladaptive behaviors and in selecting appropriate techniques for counseling and referral. The course focuses on integrating psychopathology and family diagnosis. Students will learn differential diagnosis, and the use of current diagnostic tools, such as the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, the impact of co-occurring substance use disorders or medical psychological disorders, established diagnostic criteria for mental or emotional disorders, and the treatment modalities and placement criteria within the continuum of care.