PRCL 630 Psychopathology: 1 Credit Hour
Placement in the Curriculum: Year Two
Duration: March-April (4-5 weeks)
Synopsis: Psychopathology is designed to introduce students to the epidemiology, pathophysiology, phenomenology, classification, and diagnosis of mental disorders. This course complements the first-year Behavioral Science sequence, which introduces students to normal human development and behavior. It precedes the third-year Psychiatry Clerkship lecture series, which focuses on treatment of mental disorders.
Competencies: Students will be able to:
● Be comfortable with the DSM IV-TR in diagnosing mental illnesses
● Understand the multi-axial approach to classification of mental illnesses
● Understand the biopsychosocial model as it relates to mental illnesses
● Understand basic epidemiological data on mental illnesses
● Increase empathy towards individuals with mental illnesses
● Improve the physician-patient relationship and therapeutic alliance
● Demonstrate understanding of above in preparation for national boards
● Demonstrate understanding of above by successful completion of final exam
Key Words: Psychopathology, mental disorders, addiction, biopsychosocial model, mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety, somatization, defense mechanism.
Assessment: Student performance is evaluated by a multiple choice Spring Final Exam. The examination is based on the required text and lectures.
Instructional Features: Lectures are given by instructors from the Department of Psychiatry. Readings are assigned from a standard text. Videotaped clinical vignettes and other media aids are used.
A teaching and learning examination will be given with an opportunity for discussion of test answers.
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