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Unit of study_

PSYC3018: Mental Health Conditions

This unit of study critically examines the development, diagnosis, and treatment of key mental health conditions across the lifespan, from children through to adults. Beginning with an exploration of how mental health conditions are classified and diagnosed, this unit will then discuss what is known about the causes, prevalence and treatments of each of the main psychological disorders, including: anxiety disorders (e.g. generalised anxiety disorder); obsessive compulsive and related disorders; trauma- and stress-related disorders; depressive disorders; eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating); addictive behaviours (drug, alcohol, gambling); psychotic disorders; personality disorders; sexual dysfunctions; ADHD and conduct disorder. The ultimate goal of the unit is to improve awareness and knowledge of mental health conditions, to explore the challenges faced by those living with mental health conditions such as stigma, and to understand the evolving nature of this core psychological discipline.

Code PSYC3018
Academic unit Psychology Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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(PSYC2010 or PSYC2910 or PSYC2011 or PSYC2911 or PSYC2015 or PSYC2915)
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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(PSYC2014 or PSYC2017)

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand core concepts in abnormal psychology in their historical and philosophical contexts
  • LO2. identify the core diagnostic features of specific psychological disorders and differentiate these from normal behaviours, as well as from the features of other disorders
  • LO3. compare and contrast theoretical perspectives on the nature, causes, and maintenance of psychological disorders
  • LO4. seek, identify and critically examine empirical evidence concerning the causes, maintenance and treatment of psychological disorders.