Mental Disorder and Psychological Treatment

About

Mental disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia, are prevalent across the globe, significantly impacting individuals and communities.

This module explores both the understanding of mental disorders and the psychological treatments used to address them.

The first half of the module introduces you to the clinical presentation, aetiology and diagnostic frameworks of various mental disorders. These disorders are examined through multiple perspectives, including developmental, sociocultural, neurobiological and psychodynamic approaches, to provide a comprehensive understanding.

The second half of the module explores a range of psychological treatments, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy and other therapeutic approaches, focusing on their application to specific mental health conditions.

Importantly, this module will involve research methods in psychology, mental health and psychotherapy.

You will go beyond the simple learning of theoretical knowledge by critically engaging with current research in these areas, developing an understanding of how research informs psychological treatment approaches and how evidence-based practices are shaped.

Week one: General introduction and mental disorders
Introduction to mental disorders and the module
Introduction to research methods in this field
Mood disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Personality disorders

Week two: Mental disorders
Anxiety disorders, eating disorders and obsessive–compulsive disorder
Psychotic disorders
Psychological treatments: theory, research and practice
Psychodynamic therapy
Mentalisation-based treatment
Formative assessment: student group presentations and peer feedback

Week three: Treatment and healthcare settings
Humanistic and person-centred therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Mindfulness-based treatment and practical meditation session
Summative assessment: MCQ exam and 1,500-word literature review
Please note that the teaching schedule may be subject to change.

This module does not aim to equip students with professional or clinical skills for the practice of mental health care. Students seeking to acquire practical or practitioner-level skills should consider appropriate professional training programmes.

Course leader

Dr Elizabeth Li

Course aim

This module aims to:

- Provide students with foundational knowledge in mental health, with a deeper focus on mental disorders and psychological treatments.
- Examine clinical presentation, causes and diagnostic frameworks of mental disorders.
- Explore diverse perspectives, including developmental, sociocultural and neurobiological approaches.
- Encourage critical engagement with current research to understand how evidence-based practices are developed and applied in treatment.
- Introduce research methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions and psychotherapy.
- Equip students with knowledge relevant for future research or clinical practice.
- For students seeking a more basic introduction, Session One: Mental Health and the Mind (ISSU0046) is recommended

Fee info