Module: PSY5107-20 Clinical Psychology

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Agata Vitale

Module Tutor Contact Details: a.vitale@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The module looks at the ethos of mental disorders from various perspectives, including the medical model. It discusses the ramifications of using a diagnostic manual, and the validity of the term ‘mental illness’. It covers the major mental disorders as a part of this process.

It provides the basis for understanding the complexity of mental conditions, in terms of their causes, and the consequent need to address them from a multidisciplinary perspective.

It incorporated a community approach to mental health by discussing mental health promotion, social determinants of health, and social recovery.

This module includes applied lectures delivered from mental health professionals, which are based on the service they provide in specific mental health settings.

2.Outline syllabus

• What’s normal/ abnormal?!

• Assessment and classification of abnormal behaviour

• Mental health promotion and the social determinants of health

• Social recovery

• Treatment options for mental disorders

• Somatoform disorders

• Mood disorders

• Anxiety disorders

• Eating disorders

• Personality disorders

• Schizophrenia

• Developmental disorders

• Autism

• Transgender

3.Teaching and learning activities

Seminars: Each of the lectures is expanded upon with the aid of papers/ book chapters. For the first three seminars, students will be asked to challenge their concept of mental illness. The seminars covering mental disorders will involve examining a case study of a user with that condition and then discussing adequate treatment options.

Students will be asked to write brief clinical formulations based on the case studies provided during the seminars.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Design a mental health leaflet for a specific population (Equivalent word count 2000)

• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: Seen exam (Word count 3000)

• % Weighting: 60%