PSYC 1040 - Abnormal Psychology

3 sem hrs cr

This course examines concepts related to psychopathology and behavior disorders with emphasis on maladaptive social behavior. Topics include adjustment disorder, personality disorders, anxiety-based disorders, and psychotic disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 1030  and documented eligibility for collegiate-level English

In rare and unusual circumstances, a course prerequisite can be overridden with the permission of the Department Lead for the discipline. 

This course may include proctored exams which must be completed on campus or at an instructor approved proctoring center which may require additional costs to the student. Please consult your instructor for additional details.

  Formerly/Same As (Formerly PSY 2900)

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UT

• Analyze the history of the mental disorders (psychopathology) and their treatments
• Develop knowledge and comprehension of the major models of abnormality
• Analyze the taxonomy of mental disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM 5)
• Understand the major symptoms, features, diagnostic criteria, etiology, and clinical course of the major disorders including anxiety, mood, somatic, substance abuse, sexual dysfunctions, paraphilias, psychotic, personality, childhood, and neurocognitive disorders
• Recognize the major methods of clinical assessment and their relative strengths and limitations
• Analyze major forms of psychological and biomedical treatments for mental disorders, and the major types of mental health care professionals

Student Learning Outcomes (from APA Introductory Psychology Initiative, July 2021)

• Psychology Content: Identify basic concepts and research findings
  • Identify and distinguish the key themes and concepts of the major models of abnormality
  • Identify the relative contributions of biology, psychology, and culture to the genesis and treatment of psychological disorders from research findings
  • Understand the taxonomy of psychological disorders in the DSM-5
  • Analyze the various approaches to the clinical assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders
  • Identify the major approaches to evidence-based treatment of psychological disorders
  • Identify the major mental health care professionals and their expertise
• Scientific Thinking: Solve problems using psychological methods
  • Describe how research in psychological science informs public policy, the criminal justice system, and the mental health care delivery system in dealing with persons suffering with psychological disorders
  • Describe how technology, business models, economics, and the insurance system influences the treatment of persons with psychological disorders
  • Describe the role of psychological science and research in the use of the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Defense