Neuropsychiatric Disorders of Childhood

Catalog description

This course will present students an opportunity to examine neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood found in the DSM-V. Specifically students will examine psychopathology associated with disruptive behavior disorders such as ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Pediatric Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, etc. as well as internalizing behavior disorder such as subtypes of Anxiety Disorder, Eating Disorders, Depression, Elimination Disorders, etc. Students will research a group of disorders known as PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep Virus) and look at current brain research to determine possible causation of these disorders. An emphasis on psychopharmacology as one form of treatment will be explored as well as the role of the professional educator as part of a multi-modal treatment approach for children with mental health disorders.