DG-541 Psychopathology I: Cognitive, Psychotic, and Affective Disorders

3 credits, 30 hours plus 6 hours of Portfolio integration

This course will cover or review substantial foundational knowledge of psychology of the individual in relation to the conceptualization of mental disorders. It addresses the various cognitive, psychotic, and affective components of severe mental illness. Attention will be given to a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenology, psychodynamics, diagnostics, and clinical symptom profile of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, cognitive impairments and dementia, borderline conditions, and severe affective disorders including clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and the problem of suicide. Fundamental skills in conceptualization, case formulation, and the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-V classification system in relation to symptom clusters will be core competencies.

DG-542 Psychopathology II: Anxiety-Based and Personality Disorders

3 credits, 30 hours plus 6 hours of Portfolio integration

This course will cover or review substantial foundational knowledge of psychology of the individual in relation to the conceptualization of mental disorders. Theories of anxiety will be reviewed in order to develop an understanding of symptoms of anxiety including panic attacks, obsessive- compulsive, anxiety and phobia. Their etiology or origin in earlier developmental conflicts will be discussed and the role developmental issues play in the formation of anxiety will be explored from various points of view. The role of accidental and structural trauma will be discussed. Symptoms of PTSD will be reviewed and explored in light of structural issues. The course will also provide an in-depth understanding of various personality disorders including clusters A B and C, in terms of self-organization, attachment, affect, and defense mechanisms. Treatment considerations will be reviewed in light of each personality structure. Formulations of anxiety will be addressed from the perspective of various personality disorders.