Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Introduction to Psychopathology

Introduction to Psychopathology
6
12752
2
First semester
OB
PSYCHOLOGY AREAS
PERSONALITY, MENTAL DISORDERS, ASSESSMENT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENTS
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff

Introduction

In the event that the health authorities announce a new period of confinement due to the evolution of the health crisis caused by COVID-19, the teaching staff will promptly communicate how this may effect the teaching methodologies and activities as well as the assessment.


Psychopathology is the basic science which nourishes psychology and psychiatry. Its purpose is the description and comprehensive explanation of the pathological behavior evidenced in those individuals affected by a psychic disorder. This subject will focus on the study, analysis and recognition of observable signs and symptoms in the various psychological processes. Its objective is to acquire the basic knowledge that allows to raise, understand, qualify and clarify the phenomena observed during the clinical interview and the exploration of the human psyche, as well as the acquisition of a technical language of the profession, objective and precise, that allow effective professional communication.

Pre-course requirements

There are no prerequisites.

Objectives

- Deepen the concept of psychological abnormality.

- Learn the main theoretical models of psychopathology.

- Learn the different psychopathological alterations.

- Identify the semiology of the main psychological functions.

- Acquire the terminology related to the psychopathological processes studied.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CB02 - Students must know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and have competences that are usually demonstrated through the creation and defence of arguments and the solving of problems within their field of study.
  • CB04 - Students must be able to convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
  • CE14 - The ability to recognise the basis of normal and altered human behaviour.
  • CE16 - The ability to communicate evaluations in a critical, well-founded manner, respecting the ethical commitment involved in disseminating psychological knowledge.
  • CG06 - Flexibility, respect and discretion in the use of data corresponding to people, groups and organisations.
  • CG08 - The capacity to interpret the content and scope of the information received or requested, orally or in writing, and process it appropriately according to the nature of the matter at hand.
  • CT03 - The capacity for analysis and synthesis.
  • CT04 - The capacity to work in a team
  • CT07 - The capacity to learn autonomously

Learning outcomes of the subject

At the end of the course, students must be able to:
- Identify and understand the psychological processes studied and their pathology.

- Use the terminology related to psychopathological processes rigorously.

- Perform a psychopathological exploration, know how to identify psychopathological alterations throughout the exploration and know how to describe them.

Syllabus

Unit 1. Introduction.

Unit 2. Anamnesis and mental state exploration. 

Unit 3. Psychopathology of consciousness.

Unit 4. Psychopathology of attention and orientation.

Unit 5. Psychopathology of memory.

Unit 6. Psychopathology of psychomotor skills.

Unit 7. Psychopathology of language.

Unit 8. Psychopathology of thought.

Unit 9. Psychopathology of sensoperception.

Unit 10. Psychopathology of affectivity.

Unit 11. Psychopathology of the will.

Unit 12. Psychopathology of the vital instinct.

Unit 13. Alterations of physiological functions.

Unit 14. Insight.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



The methodology used in this subject combines master classes, audio-visual content, discussion forums and work on clinical cases. The subject requires students both individual and autonomous work as in small groups.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



The final grade for the subject is calculated based on: Final exam: 70%; PIR exam: 20%; Participation: 10%.

The exams are test type and each question has four alternatives. Each correct answer is equivalent to one point, the incorrect answers subtract 0.33 points (control of the level of chance) and the omissions do not subtract. 

 

Bibliography and resources

- Belloch, A., Sandín, B. y Ramos F. (Eds.) (2009). Manual de Psicopatología (2ª edición).  Vols I y II. Madrid: McGraw Hill Interamericana. 

- Caballo, V. (2014).  Manual de psicopatología y trastornos psicológicos. Madrid: Pirámide.

- Vallejo, J. (2015). Introducción a la psicopatología y psiquiatría.  Barcelona: Elsevier Masson.

- Sims, A. (2016). Síntomas mentales. Manual de psicopatología descriptiva. Elservier. 

- Obiols, J. (Ed.) (2008). Manual de psicopatología general. Madrid: Biblioteca nueva.

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 08/01/2021 A08 10:00h
  • E2 18/06/2021 I2 10:00h