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 and the anti-psychiatry stance. 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 community-based 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 published papers/ book chapters. For the first three seminars, students will be asked to challenge their concepts of mental illness. The seminars that deal with mental disorders will involve examining a case study of a user with that condition and examining treatment and outcome and relevant clips and journal articles.

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: Write a critique: Compare and contrast two peer review articles on the treatment of depression

• % Weighting: 33%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Design a flyer to explain to a specific population a psychological disorder

• % Weighting: 33%

Assessment Item 3:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Write a clinical formulation (causes, symptoms, strengths and treatment option(s) based on a selected case study.

• % Weighting: 34%