Introduction to Psychopathology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject aims to present major approaches to psychological disorders, in which psychopathology is contrasted with 'normal' functioning. While reference is made to various theoretical approaches to the aetiologies of disorders/problems, the major focus is on recognising the clinical pictures of common psychological disorders/problems that occur in a variety of settings, including depression, the anxiety disorders, and substance abuse/dependence.

The subject aims to introduce students to various competing theories of aetiology and maintenance for psychological problems/disorders the commonly present to clinicians:

• to provide students with an overview of the important ciretier by which practising psychologists evaluate theoretical and treatment models; and
• to develop familiarity with clinical presentations, co-morbidity, prevalence and incidence data, course and outcome, response to treatment for the psychological disorders.

A mid-semester one hour test (50% of assessment) and an end-of-semester one-hour test (50% of assessment).

American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV). Washington, D.C: Author.

Barlow, D.H. & V.M. Durand. (2002 or 2005) Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach. Belmont, California: Wadsworth, Thomson Learning.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Written, oral and interpersonal communication skills

Analytica,information integration and synthesizing skills.