Psychopathology

This course is aimed at providing an advanced comprehensive overview of psychopathology from an historical and current scientific perspective. Specifically, we will focus on conceptualization issues, systems of classification/diagnosis, research design/methods, core characteristics, clinical symptomatology and etiology of adult (and to a lesser extent child/adolescent) psychopathology. An integrative approach that considers the complex interactions among biological, psychological, behavioral, cognitive, social, environmental, cultural and interpersonal factors across the lifespan that influence major psychological disorders will be applied. We will examine various theoretical models, discuss clinical cases, and review treatment strategies. Throughout this course, we will refer to research findings that inform our understanding of a variety of issues in the field of psychopathology. (This course is for Mental Health Counseling majors only. All other students must obtain permission from the (Dean's Office) can it say WSAS Office of Graduate Studies.)