Florida International University
College of Education
Spring 2007

Course Title: MHS 6427 Adult Psychopathology
Credits: Three (3)
Instructor: Maureen Kenny, Ph.D.
Office: ZEB 238B
Office Hours: Wednesday 12-3 p.m. & Saturday 12-3 p.m. and other times by appointment.
Phone: (305)348-3506
E mail: kennym@fiu.edu, www.fiu.edu/~kennym

Texts

Required:

Barlow, D.H., & Durand, V.M. (2005). Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach. Wadworth: Belmont, CA.

Recommended:

American Psychiatric Association (2000) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Ed, Treatment Revised). Washington, D.C. (Full or pocket guide) or

Goals
This course is designed to assist the mental health practitioner in understanding psychological disorders that are experienced by adults. Students will be able to distinguish between abnormal and normal behavior. In understanding the disorders, students will learn about the signs, symptoms, behaviors, and thoughts that the person experiences. Additionally, the disorders will be conceptualized within various schools of counseling theory that underlie clinical practice. A survey of the various cognitive, psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic-existential and family systems theories of psychopathology will be examined. Commonly used psychotherapeutic modalities that are based on each theory will also be discussed, so that the practitioner can move from theory to assessment and treatment. Psychopharmacological treatment will also be examined so that the clinician will have a working knowledge of current medications.

Students will learn to use the DSM-IV, the most commonly used description of psychological problems. Additionally, this course will sensitize students to the role that culture and other diversity issues that play in the diagnosis of psychopathology. Examination of commonly used assessment techniques, tests and inventories will be performed to determine their cultural sensitivity.

Course objectives

Upon completion of this course students will:

• Understand the basic concept of abnormality;
  
• Understand relevant etiological factors for disorders as well as principles of diagnosis, treatment, and referral;
  
• Recognize and classify psychopathology within the DSM-IV system;
  
• Develop a knowledge of the course, symptomatology, and epidemiology of psychological disorders;
  
• Understand the role of culture and individual differences in the diagnosis of psychopathology;
• Understand various ethical and appropriate treatment approaches for each disorder, including the influence of current managed care systems;
• Gain familiarity with the psychiatric model of treatment including current medications and their potential side effects;
• Gain knowledge of prevention of mental and emotional disorders and dysfunctional behavior, including addictive behaviors;
• Identify specific principles and models of biopsychosocial assessments, conduct case conceptualizations and formulate appropriate treatment plans;
• Understand the principles and guidelines of conducting an intake interview, a mental status evaluation, a biopsychosocial history, a mental health history, and a psychological assessment for treatment planning and caseload management.

Competencies: The following Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) standards are addressed in this course: Standard 1 (Professional Identity), Standard 2 (Social and Cultural Diversity), Standard 3 (Human Growth and Development), Standard 5 (Helping Relationships), Standard 7 (Assessment) and Standard 8 (Research and Program Evaluation).

Requirements: Students are expected to:

• Read in preparation for class. Readings form the foundation upon which the class lecture and discussions are based
• Engage in classroom dialogue to clarify and enhance readings; actively participate in the class.
• Students will have the opportunity to discuss any questions regarding readings
• Be on time for all classes. If a class is to be missed, the student must notify the professor in advance
• Exams are to be given on the dates assigned and papers are to be turned in on time. No exceptions will be made.
• Turn off all beepers and cell phones before entering the classroom.
• Be respectful towards the professor and all members of the class.

EVALUATION AND GRADING

Examinations
Students will be given two exams. Both will include short answer, multiple choice, and essay questions measuring the student's knowledge and understanding of abnormal psychology, the disorders in the DSM-IV, psychopharmacology and treatment of disorders. The exams will include short vignettes for which the student will have to provide a diagnosis.

Class Participation:

Students will be routinely monitored to judge their participation in classroom discussions and dialogue. They will be evaluated on their ability to express themselves well, knowledge of assigned readings and ability to interact in a professional manner with others.

GRADING

Exam #1 -- 50%; Exam #2 -- 50%

Each assignment will be graded. The final grades for the course will be based on the following scale:

94-100 points A; 90-93 points A-; 86-89 points B+; 83-85 points B; 80-82 points B-; 76-79 points C+; 73-75 points C; 70-72 points C-; Below 70 points D.

NOTE: If you suspect or know that you have a learning disability that may interfere with your performance in this class, you are encouraged to contact Disabilities Services for Students, 348-3532 in GC 190.