WEEK 1: AT a GLANCE
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History and Theories of Psychopathology
assignment
optional discussion
discussion
resources
looking ahead
INTRODUCTION
The history of the diagnosis of mental disorders is fraught with examples of how cultural norms and prejudices interfere with and warp a diagnosis. The result is that normal behavior and orientations have been pathologized as an illness or disease. An example of this would be the story of Alan Turing, the famous British computer scientist of the 20th century, who was instrumental in inventing modern computers and deciphering German code in World War II. He was convicted in 1952 in England of gross indecency for being gay. Turing was forced by the courts to undergo 12 months of hormone therapy and could no longer work for the British government. At the time, homosexuality was pathologized as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and was criminalized in most Western countries. It was not until 1973 that the American Psychiatric Association (APA) finally removed homosexuality from the DSM.
Historically, the process of rendering a diagnosis has been used to pathologize those who fell outside what was considered the cultural norm of human behavior. This process often marginalized diagnosed populations and prevented individuals from receiving appropriate care. It is of utmost importance to consider cultural issues that influence how you as a clinician interpret a client’s behavior and how cultural issues influence how a client may express behavior. This week, you explore the history of psychopathology and the evolution of theoretical perspectives in the field.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will:
Analyze historical and currently recognized biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that inform the expression, course, and prevalence of psychopathology
module 2: AT a GLANCE
Diagnosis of Disorders 1
week 3
week 4
week 5
week 6
What’s Happening This Module?
Module 2: Diagnosis of Disorders 1 is a 4-week module focusing on applying diagnostic criteria and diagnostic reasoning skills to patients presenting with symptoms of various categories of disorders. Week 3 focuses on assessing and diagnosing mood disorders; Week 4 examines anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD; Week 5 centers around disruptive, conduct, impulse-control, dissociative, and somatic symptom-related disorders; and finally, Week 6 delves into eating, sleeping, and elimination disorders. The module culminates with a midterm exam.
What do I have to do?
When do I have to do it?
Review your Learning Resources.
Days 1–7, Weeks 3, 4, 5, and 6
Assignment: Assessing and Diagnosing Patients With Mood Disorders
Submit by Day 7 of Week 3.
Assignment: Assessing and Diagnosing Patients With Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, and OCD
Submit by Day 7 of Week 4.
Assignment: Assessing and Diagnosing Patients With Disruptive, Impulse-Control, Conduct, Dissociative, and Somatic Symptom-Related Disorders
Submit by Day 7 of Week 5.
Midterm Exam
Complete by Day 7 of Week 6.
WEEK 3: AT a GLANCE
Mood Disorders
assignment
resources
looking ahead
INTRODUCTION
While most people experience the sadness or grief at some point in their lives, it is typically of short duration and may occur in response to some type of loss. Clinically significant depression, on the other hand, is more disruptive and serious. It lasts longer and has more symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.
This week, you will explore the differences among mood disorders such as depressive, bipolar, and related disorders, and you will examine challenges in properly differentiating among them for the purpose of accurately rendering a diagnosis. You also will look at steps that can be taken to increase the likelihood that patients who are diagnosed with these disorders benefit from treatment and refrain from physically harming themselves or others.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will:
Apply concepts, theories, and principles related to patient interviewing, diagnostic reasoning, and recording patient information
Formulate differential diagnoses using DSM-5-TR criteria for patients with mood disorders across the lifespan
NRNP-6635 Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning Walden University
