PSYC 224-01, Psychological Disorders, Spring 2008

Abstract

Welcome to this introductory course on the fascinating topic of psychological disorders! During the semester, we will learn about a range of mental disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, sexual disorders, and schizophrenic disorders. For each group of disorders, we will learn about etiology, symptoms, and treatment. We will learn to view psychopathology using a model that examines the interaction of: (1) the biological (e.g., genetics, physiology), (2) the psychological (e.g., cognitive processes, emotions), and (3) the social (e.g., cultural context, family dynamics). Integral to our discussions will be the history of clinical psychology, the definition of abnormal behavior, and controversies within the field. A major goal of this course is to learn to think critically about relevant issues, particularly in the face of conflicting evidence.