module specification

This module will focus on the theoretical explanations of psychopathology from a biological, behavioural and cognitive perspective.  Using formal classification systems, it will provide a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the psychology of mental disorders. Various theoretical frameworks in both the understanding and management of psychological disorders will be explored.

PY7184 Individual Differences and Social Psychology (prerequisite)
PY7185 Research Methods and Biological Psychology (prerequisite)
PY7186 Cognitive and Developmental Psychology (corequisite)

The main aims of this module are to: (1) examine psychological disorders across the lifespan; (2) enable students to develop a critical, evidence-based, understanding of psychopathology from biological, behavioural, cognitive and psychosocial perspectives; and, (3) critically evaluate how comorbidity, dual and differential diagnoses affect both the assessment and treatment of psychological disorders across the lifespan.

Topics will be drawn from the following: Mental health across the lifespan; psychological theories including cognitive, behavioural and psychosocial approaches;  Psychopathologies in accordance with the DSM and ICD guidelines across a broad range of topics  (e.g. addiction; ADHD; Anxiety disorders, Tic disorders, Eating disorders; Affective Disorders; Elimination disorders; Personality disorders; Autism and Schizophrenia and Sleep disorders).  Clinical considerations including Dual diagnosis, differential diagnosis and co-morbidity.

There will be a variety of formal teaching sessions aimed at delivering core material and developing students’ understanding (e.g., lectures, workshops and seminars). 
Students will also be required to carry out guided independent learning including key reading and on-line activities.

On successful completion of this module students will be able:
1. To demonstrate a detailed and critical understanding of the clinical and health aspects of psychological disorders within a clinical, philosophical and socio-political context.
2. To assess the usefulness of employing  a multidisciplinary approach to the clinical management of psychopathologies
3. To critically evaluate contrasting theoretical frameworks in both the understanding and management of psychological disorders.
4. To have a critical understanding of the theoretical models of psychopathology and how research supports an evidence based account.

Assessment for this module comprises a critical evaluation of the literature in relation to a key issue in psychopathology. Students will research an allocated issue and will have the opportunity to present their topic to the class and to receive peer and tutor feedback on this. Students will then write up their critical evaluations on an individual basis.

American Psychiatric Association., (AMA, 2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th Ed.  Arlington. American Psychiatric Publishing.

Bennett, P., (2011). Abnormal and Clinical Psychology: An Introductory Textbook. Berkshire. McGraw Hill House. Open University Press.

Chandler, C., (2010). The Science of ADHD: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. Chichester, West Sussex, UK ; Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell

Comer, RJ., (2012). Abnormal Psychology.  New York. NY. Worth Publishers.

Davey, G.C.  (2008) Psychopathology: Research, Assessment and Treatment in Clinical Psychology (BPS Textbooks in Psychology). Oxford. BPS Blackwell.

ICD-10  (1992). The ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders : Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Guidelines. World Health Organisation.

Kraepelin, E., & Diefendorf, AR., (2012). Clinical Psychiatry;  a Text-Book for Students and Physicians. Ulan Press

Kranzler, H. R., & Ciraulo, D. A. (Eds.). (2005). Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology Arlington. American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

Nutt, D. J., Robbins, T., Stimson, G., V. , & Ince, M. (Eds.). (2006). Drugs and the Future: Brain Science, Addiction and Society Academic Press.