Psychopathology And Social Work Assessment I

Catalog description

This course covers the domain of psychopathology as represented in the American Psychiatric Association’s current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The scientific bases of contemporary theories and research of major psychological disorders will be studied. Students will be educated about the types and causes of mental disorders, their assessment, treatment plans, referrals for services, prognosis, related research in psychotherapy, and prevention. The legal, ethical, and cultural issues related to psychopathology and society will be deliberated. Content is selected and organized based on the view that healthy emotional and social development are related to biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. The first sequence of this two-sequence course will focus on basic assessment techniques and development of a treatment plan to address emotional or behavioral problems. Following this foundation, the course will begin a comprehensive review of the current DSM manual beginning with Section I (Basics) and four of the classifications and criteria in the DSM Section II. Prerequisites: With instructor approval for PNW students in graduate programs in related disciplines (e.g., CFT, MHC, DNP); MSW Traditional Students: SWRK 51000, SWRK 52000, SWRK 53000, SWRK 56000, and SWRK 57000; MSW Advanced Standing Students: SWRK 61500. Prerequisite(s): (SWRK 51000 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND SWRK 52000 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND SWRK 53000 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND SWRK 56000 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- AND SWRK 57000 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D-) OR SWRK 61500 FOR LEVEL GR WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- Course Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the current DSM as the current representation of a changing classification model and its application for the diagnosis of children, youth, and adults. 2. Analyze the potential abuse of diagnostic classification as a means of social control and its significance for vulnerable populations. 3. Discuss the social worker’s particular contribution to the diagnostic process that promote and constrain the diagnostic-intervention process. 4. Explain the possible conflict between social work norms, ethics, values, and the diagnostic classification system. 5. Describe the role of psychopharmacology in the treatment of clinical disorders and the social worker’s role with regards to medication management in treatment. 6. Explain the role of stigma that exists in society towards individuals and their families dealing with clinical disorders. View Class Schedule