Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology

Catalog description

This course explores the major diagnostic categories of psychopathology according to the current DSM classification system. The concept of mental health, illness, and wellbeing are explored through socio- cultural formulations utilizing the stress-diathesis and biopsychosocial spiritual models. The focus of this review includes the etiology, prevalence & incidence, signs & symptoms, and criteria for differential diagnosis. The emphasis of this review is on comparing and contrasting different theoretical perspectives on each disorder, as well as reviewing the empirical literature in support of these theoretical perspectives. As a graduate-level course, this course is at an advanced level and presumes mastery of the content of an undergraduate Abnormal Psychology course. Of specific focus in this course is an emphasis on the relationship of traumatic life experiences and complex traumatic stress on the manifestation of traumatic stress- related disorders and diagnosis secondary to experienced trauma. Additionally, students will develop an understanding of disorders in terms of diagnostic features, associated features, demographic features, prevalence, course, familial pattern, differential diagnosis, and cultural contexts through case study analysis. Commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications, including uses and side effects, are introduced and considered. The pre-requities of CSP 615, 649, 652 and 654 are required as well as CSP 657A or CSP 706. Student must be active in the Mental Health Counseling plan.