Clinical psychology
This module will cover the definition of common mental health conditions, their clinical presentation, and diagnostic criteria. Psychological intervention approaches will be introduced alongside assessment methods. Students will have the opportunity to appreciate the contribution of psychological interventions to mental health problems via case studies, demonstrations and lectures by expert clinicians.
The module will also cover issues related to research and evidence-gathering in the field of clinical psychology. Through learning activities, there will be opportunities to think critically and reflect upon relevant issues including diagnosis, psychological interventions, and their outcomes.
Main topics of the module include:
- Introduction to the aims and methods of clinical psychology
- Development of a critical appreciation of issues related to mental ill health and interventions
- Appreciation of the value and application of research findings in clinical psychology, in line with the scientist practitioner model
- Development of an appreciation of the role of psychology in understanding and alleviating difficulty and promoting wellbeing across mental health conditions such as depression, autisms spectrum disorder, ADHD, psychosis, anxiety disorders and eating disorders
- Setting of mental health conditions within their psychosocial and developmental contexts.
On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to:
- Describe the clinical presentation of a range of mental health problems, including Autism, Anxiety, Depression and Psychosis across the life-course.
- Describe and critically evaluate the current diagnostic systems, including DSM and ICD, used to classify mental health disorders.
- Describe biological, psychological and social factors implicated in the development of mental health disorders.
- Evaluate the evidence for specific risk factors (including biological, psychological and social factors) in the development of mental health disorders.
- Describe some of the most widely used interventions for specific conditions and show an understanding of their mechanism of action.
- Demonstrate knowledge of assessment methods used to assess disorders and clinical problems.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of what factors contribute to clinical decision about treatment. Work in groups.
- Produce and present persuasive arguments.
- Present findings in both oral and concise written reports.
