Neurobiology of Mental Disorders

Catalog description

This course advances foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms that sustain homeostasis within the brain and body. It explores the multifactorial etiology of mental disorders, including genetic, developmental, traumatic, infectious, and degenerative influences. The curriculum focuses on important biological theories, exploring how psychiatric disorders interact with brain structures, chemical pathways, and the related behaviors and symptoms. Mental disorders across the lifespan, including autism spectrum disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and substance use disorders, are critically analyzed.