PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

Catalog description

This course focuses on psychopathology and includes studies of the etiology and categorization of psychopathology; historical, sociopolitical, cultural, behavioral and epidemiological approaches to the systematic description of psychological disorders; use of the DSM-5 in differential diagnosis; potential alternatives to the existing system; and the roles of assessment, treatment planning and intervention for counselors. Students will identify and articulate the ethical issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior and mental illness, and will demonstrate knowledge of the major diagnostic categories including current theories related to the development of the disorders and commonly used treatment strategies. Students will also explore the various emotional disorders and reactions to stress such as anxiety disorders, somatoform and dissociative disorders, affective disorders, as well as the schizophrenias and related psychotic disorders. Course materials will also address the various disorders related to social maladjustment, such as personality disorders and psychopathy, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, and sexual and gender identity disorders. Careful consideration of cultural differences will be included as well.