PYD812 Advanced Psychopathology (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): master’s course in Psychopathology; PYD811  
This course examines current theory and research about abnormal development and psychopathology.  A primary focus of the course is on the prevention, etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of mental illness in children, adolescents, and adults. Biological, cultural, familial, educational and social factors that impact psychopathology are explored. The role of the initial clinical interview in assessment, diagnosis, and case formulation is addressed. The role of age-related changes in cognitive and physical functioning in understanding psychopathology is also considered. The course is advanced in the sense that it assumes students’ basic knowledge of the DSM-IV and or DSM-5 from previous coursework.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply clinical objectivity, curiosity, open-mindedness, and ethical principles in diagnostic assessment and case formulation.
2. Apply currently accepted diagnostic criteria to assess and diagnose mental disorders in children, adolescents, and adults.
3. Identify, analyze, and utilize clinical data to make differential diagnoses between typically co-occurring disorders.
4. Show an applied understanding of the content and use of the DSM-5 and the ICD-11.
5. Evaluate and utilize professional and culturally relevant sources of information specifically related to the prevention, etiology, and prognosis of mental disorders across the lifespan.
6. Identify, evaluate, and utilize appropriate assessment strategies, including biopsychosocial data, for diagnosis and case formulation based on empirically supported practice guidelines.
7. Demonstrate competence in initial clinical interviewing, diagnostic procedures, and report writing, including the recognition and evaluation of clinically complex situations such as danger to self or others.