Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Psychopathology in Adults
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Introduction
Psychopathology is the area of knowledge that describes changes in behavior that can be experienced by the human being, which are not explained by the maturation or development of the individual, and are known as mental disorders.
These disorders are given by the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors, and psychopathology focuses on understanding the nature and possible causes of these disorders. Knowledge of the psychopathology of adulthood is essential for the practice of clinical psychology, but it is also a necessary knowledge in other areas of psychology such as education or organizations.
The aim of this subject is to know the manuals and diagnostic systems used in clinical practice, recognize the different mental disorders and identify the criteria and the main characteristics that define each of the mental disorders that may occur in the adulthood, without losing sight of the fact that the subject who suffers the symptoms is a whole, understanding this way the psychiatric comorbidity.
Pre-course requirements
Have completed the subject Introduction to psychopathology.
Objectives
General objectives:
- Acquire knowledge about the diagnostic systems used in clinical practice
- Acquire knowledge about the different mental disorders that occur in adulthood.
Specific objectives:
- Differentiate between normality and pathology
- Recognize the different psychopathological disorders that can occur to adulthood.
- Identify clinical manifestations, course and the diagnostic criteria of each psychopathological disorder.
- Know the risk factors, the biological bases and the main etiological theories linked to each psychopathological disorder
- Learn to differentiate the different psychopathological disorders through differential diagnosis.
- Know the basic epidemiological data on mental health and enhance the gender perspective.
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.
- CE03 - The ability to make adequate decisions about what Psychology-specific methods and measuring instruments to use in each situation or evaluation context.
- CE09 - The ability to identify the biological basis of the functions of Psychology and human behaviour, with an understanding of how they work and their influence on other aspects of a person.
- 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.
- CG09 - The ability to integrate psychological knowledge and developments into professional practice.
- CG10 - Sensitivity to the needs and expectations of others.
- CG11 - Recognition, understanding and respect for the complexity of multicultural diversity.
- CT03 - The capacity for analysis and synthesis.
- CT08 - The ability to put theoretical knowledge into practice
- CT09 - The ability to communicate adequately, both orally and in writing
Learning outcomes of the subject
Once the student has finished the subject he should be able to:
a) To know the different systems and diagnostic methods used in clinical practice.
b) Know the different mental disorders that can occur during adulthood.
c) Identify the main symptoms of each mental disorders.
d) Be able to elaborate the differential diagnosis.
e) Be aware of the main epidemiological characteristics of each disorder.
f) Establish a clinical diagnosis from work with clinical cases
Syllabus
1. INTRODUCTION
2. ADAPTIVE DISORDERS, POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDERS
3. MOOD DISORDERS
4. ANXIETY DISORDERS
5. DISORDERS FOR SOMATIC AND RELATED SYMPTOMS
6. DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS
7. OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER AND RELATED DISORDERS
8. EATING DISORDERS
9. ADDICTIVE DISORDERS
10. SCHIZOPHRENIA AND PSYCHIC DISORDERS
11. MENTAL HEALTH AND GENDER PERSPECTIVE
12. SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS
Teaching and learning activities
In person
| TRAINING ACTIVITY |
| Lectures will be the setting in which students will learn and use the terminology and linguistic structures related to the sphere of study, for the purpose of practising and developing oral and written communication skills and becoming familiar with the literature and instruction materials provided to better integrate the curricular content. |
| Case studies are a learning technique in which the subject is given the description of a specific situation that poses a problem, which must be understood, assessed and resolved by a group of people through discussion. Case studies are generally resolved in groups to promote student participation and develop their critical thinking skills. They also prepare students to make decisions, teaching them how to back up their arguments and contrast them with the opinions of the other group members. |
| The guided reading of texts aims to develop the students’ critical thinking skills, which play a fundamental role in creating citizens who are both aware and responsible. |
| The exercises provided and problems posed by the lecturer help students make headway in their academic career, and, guided by the lecturer, the students succeed in achieving short-term goals which facilitate the integration of theoretical knowledge. |
| A non-classroom activity that helps students consolidate their knowledge, something that is always necessary before starting a new task. |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The evaluation of the subject is carried out in 2 parts:
1) CONTINUOUS EVALUATION (30% final mark): it will consist of 3 written works, carried out individually.
2) FINAL EXAM (70% final grade): type test exam of 70 questions with 4 alternative answers (errors subtract 0.33). The exam will consist of 50 questions about the subject content and 20 PIR questions.
The note of the continuous evaluation is not recoverable.
It is essential to pass the final exam to be able to average. To pass the subject, the final average must be equal to or greater than 5.
In case of failing, the student will be able to recover the multiple choice exam. It is necessary to obtain a grade equal to or greater than 5 in the global to be able to calculate the means. In the event that the average is suspended, the student must repeat the subject the following year.
Bibliography and resources
American Psychiatric Association (APA) (2014): Manual Diagnòstico y estadístico de los trastornos mentales. DSM-5. Masson. Barcelona
Belloch, A., Sandín, B. Y Ramos, F. (2008): Manual de Psicopatología (vol. 1). McGraw-Hill. Madrid
Belloch, A., Sandín, B. Y Ramos, F. (2008): Manual de Psicopatología (vol. 2). McGraw-Hill. Madrid
Buela-casal, G., Caballo, V., Y Carrobles, J.A. (2002): Manual de psicopatologia y trastornos psiquiátricos. Siglo XXI. Madrid.
Caballo, V.E., Salazar, I.C., Carrobles, J.A. (2014): Manual de psicopatologia y trastornos psicológicos. Piramide. Madrid.
Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) (1992): Classificación internacional de las enfermedades (CIE-10). MS. Madrid.
Vallejo Ruiloba, J. (2011): Introducción a la psicopatologia y la psiquiatría (7ªed). Masson. Barcelona.
Evaluation period
- E1 12/05/2023 I3 08:00h
- E2 23/06/2023 I2 10:00h