PY 921 - Child Psychopathology

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This course will provide an overview of the most common expressions of child and adolescent psychopathology. The learning objectives include conceptual, research, and clinical issues related to the mental health of children and adolescents. The diverse factors that influence the etiology and expression of disorders will be considered. In particular, the contributions of factors such as genetics, family influences, social systems, learned patterns of behavior, and psychodynamics will be explored. Students will become familiar with the DSM (it’s current edition) and how to conceptualize cases. Students will also be taught how to communicate as a professional through your writing so that they will be able to convey complexity of the cases in a clear and understandable manner. At times, interventions may be mentioned in presentations and course readings. However, the issue of treatment will not be a significant focus. This course is designed to advance the student’s understanding of the current state of knowledge with regard to etiological factors and the diagnostic issues related to the expression of various disorders. This course will introduce students to the steps of case conceptualization and provide multiple opportunities for mastering this skill, such as in-class conceptualizations and written assignments. Relatedly, students will learn DSM & ICD 10 diagnostic criteria, which will build upon knowledge acquired in the adult psychopathology class. Students will acquire knowledge of basic mechanisms and processes that provide a foundation for some advanced specialty courses. The format of this seminar class will be lecture and discussions. Open discussion is an integral part of this seminar.