Mental Health and Psychopathology: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview: Mental Health and Psychopathology

Introduction

This course provides an in-depth exploration of mental health and psychopathology, focusing on the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. It is designed for graduate students in counseling and psychology, emphasizing the use of the DSM-5 and evidence-based approaches to understanding mental disorders.

• Course Code: COUN 750

• Institution: University of Tennessee, Martin

• Credit Hours: 3.0

• Required Texts: DSM-5, Kress & Paylo (2018) "Treating those with mental disorders"

Course Description and Objectives

Main Goals

The course aims to develop students' understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders, as well as the impact of cultural and developmental factors on psychopathology.

• Understand the classification and criteria for major psychiatric disorders.

• Apply DSM-5 diagnostic criteria in clinical scenarios.

• Analyze the influence of culture, development, and environment on mental health.

• Demonstrate effective counseling skills and ethical decision-making.

Course Topics and Weekly Schedule

Major Topics Covered

The following topics are covered, aligning with key chapters in psychology and psychopathology:

Week	Topic	Key Readings	Assignments
1	Course Orientation	Syllabus, Welcome Posts	Discussion Board
2	Depressive, Bipolar, Related Disorders	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 4	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz
3	Anxiety Disorders	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 5	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz, Diagnostic Set 1
4	Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 6	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz
5	Trauma and Stressor Disorders	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 7	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz
6	Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 8	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz, Diagnostic Set 2
7	Personality Disorders	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 9	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz, Reflection Paper 2
8	Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 10	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz
9	Feeding and Eating Disorders	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 11	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz
10	Disruptive, Impulse-Control, Conduct Disorders	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 12	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz, Diagnostic Set 3
12	Neurodevelopmental Disorders	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 13	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz, Reflection Paper 2
13	Dissociative and Somatic Disorders	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 14	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz
14	Sleep-Wake, Sexual Dysfunction, Paraphilic, Gender Dysphoria	DSM-5, Kress & Paylo Ch. 15	Discussion Board, DSM Quiz, Key Assessment Paper

Key Concepts in Psychopathology

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

The DSM-5 is the primary classification system for mental disorders used in clinical psychology and psychiatry.

• Definition: The DSM-5 provides standardized criteria for diagnosing mental disorders.

• Application: Used by clinicians to assess symptoms and determine appropriate diagnoses.

• Example: Major Depressive Disorder is diagnosed based on criteria such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, and functional impairment.

Etiology and Development of Disorders

Understanding the causes and development of mental disorders is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

• Biological Factors: Genetics, neurochemistry, and brain structure.

• Psychological Factors: Personality, coping skills, trauma history.

• Social and Cultural Factors: Family, community, cultural beliefs.

• Example: Substance use disorders may result from genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, and social influences.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Assessment involves gathering information through interviews, questionnaires, and observation to inform diagnosis and treatment planning.

• Clinical Interview: Structured or semi-structured conversations to assess symptoms.

• Psychometric Testing: Use of standardized tests to measure psychological functioning.

• Example: The Beck Depression Inventory is a commonly used self-report measure for depressive symptoms.

Course Requirements and Evaluation

Assignments and Grading

Students are evaluated through quizzes, reflection papers, diagnostic sets, discussion boards, and a key assessment paper.

Assignment	Description	Points
DSM Quizzes	Weekly quizzes on DSM chapters	120
Reflection Papers	Personal reflections on course material	100
Diagnostic Sets	Case-based diagnostic exercises	180
Coffee with Counselors	Participation in counselor-led events	30
Key Assessment Paper	Application and reflection on mental health and psychopathology	300

Professional and Ethical Considerations

Student Conduct and Confidentiality

Students are expected to adhere to university policies, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.

• Academic Integrity: All work must be original and properly cited.

• Confidentiality: Personal issues should be discussed outside the classroom environment.

• Professionalism: Respectful communication and ethical behavior are required.

Additional Info

• Disability Services: Accommodations are available for students with documented needs.

• Technical Competencies: Students must be proficient in using Canvas, Microsoft Word, and basic computer functions.

• Grading Scale: A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (below 60%)

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, expectations, and key topics in mental health and psychopathology, suitable for graduate-level psychology students.