Co-Occurring Disorders: Introduction

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Return to Course
Print Guideline
Course
CODS 5100
Discontinued
Yes
Course Code
CODS 5100
Descriptive
Co-Occurring Disorders: Introduction
Department
Co-Occurring Disorders
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
202030
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
Flexible delivery ranging over 2-15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours
60 Hours: Lecture
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities
  • Lecture
  • Group work
  • Student presentations
  • Guest speakers
  • Audio-visual presentations
Course Description
This course will focus on understanding the etiology and nature of co-occurring disorders. Students will explore basic concepts of mental illness and addiction. Students will examine the use of current DSM as a reference tool for understanding mental illness and addiction disorders. Models for the delivery of services to clients with co-occurring disorders will be examined from a theoretical applied perspective.
Course Content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  • Services for clients who have a co-occurring disorder are best provided simultaneously by the same practitioner within the same organization as opposed to traditional models involving sequential or parallel approaches.
  • Values, attitudes and beliefs influence and shape our interaction with persons with co-occurring disorders.
  • Research demonstrates that comorbidity of mental disorders and substance abuse should be considered an expectation rather than an exception.
  • Mental illness and addiction are medical conditions and should be treated and supported as any other illness.
  • Knowledge is the first step to understanding mental illness and addiction and if applied without bias can lead to better care and treatment for people with co-occurring disorders.
  • People possess an inherent capacity and resiliency that can, given an opportunity, mobilize change.
  • Mental illness and addiction affects not only the mind, body and spirit of the individual but also impacts the health of families, the workplace and society in general.
  • Conceptual knowledge of mental illness and addiction is necessary but insufficient for competent practice.  It must be balanced with and supported by a caring attitude, empathy, sensitivity and acceptance.
  • Mental illness and addictions singularly can be devastating and destructive illnesses, when they occur together (co-occurring) the difficulties become much more apparent and difficult to treat.
  • Self-awareness regarding one’s personal values and needs, the influence of one’s past experiences, and respect for the limits of one’s knowledge/ability and professional role, are essential prerequisites for skillful helping with persons with co-occurring illness.
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Articulate theoretical perspectives
    • Define co-occurring disorders.
    • Describe mental illness and addiction from a practical and clinical viewpoint.
    • Understand the structure and application of DSM for clinical diagnosis of mental illness and addiction.
    • Explain primary diagnosis most commonly associated with co-occurring disorders.
    • Describe the various types, uses, and side effects of prescription medication.
    • Describe the impact of inappropriate use or n on-compliance use of medication.
    • Understand the potential interactions between psychiatric medications and drugs of abuse.
    • Describe the effects of substance abuse on the course of mental disorders.
    • Describe how mental disorders impact substance abuse.
    • Understand patterns and prevalence of substance abuse among persons with mental disorders.
  2. Describe current and historical attitudes and policies.
    • Demonstrate an understanding of past and present attitudes towards mental illness and addiction.
    • Demonstrate an ability to challenge popular yet inaccurate beliefs regarding these illnesses.
    • Demonstrate understanding of current and future policy and practice directions for persons with a co-occurring disorder.
    • List the cultural barriers that may be present in the treatment and support for persons with a co-occurring disorder.
  3. Understand professional roles with respect to working with persons with co-occurring disorders.
    • Demonstrate understanding of current and best practice approaches to treating and supporting persons with a co-occurring illness.
    • Describe the roles of various professionals who work with persons with a co-occurring disorder.
    • Identifies the importance of worker self-awareness and values for working with clients.
    • Describe front-line worker roles and responsibilities in treating and supporting those with a co-occurring illness.
    • Describe the role of family and other support networks in helping people with a co-occurring disorder.
  4. Describe best practice treatment intervention for co-occurring disorder.
    • Define best practice treatment and support practice for clients with mental illness, addiction and co-occurring illness.
    • Explain the importance of a strengths approach that mobilizes clients’ abilities.
    • Define the difference between sequential, parallel, and integrated treatment of co-occurring disorders.
    • Define the recovery and relapse prevention strategies to support persons with a co-occurring illness.
    • List currently available services for persons with co-occurring disorders.
Means of Assessment

This course will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations. Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of:

  • Written assignments
  • Group presentations
  • Exams
  • Class activity participation
  • Case study evaluation
Textbook Materials

T.B.A.