Lecture: 60 hours
In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as lecture, group work, case studies, and team-based exercises.
• Neurobiological theories, neurotransmitters, and brain abnormalities in relation to mental health disorders
• DSM diagnostic categories
• Diagnostic criteria and behavioural manifestations (signs/symptoms/presentation/characteristics, interventions/treatments) for the following categories of mental health disorders:
• Schizophrenia
• Mood Disorders
• Anxiety and Dissociative Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Feeding and Eating Disorders
• Co-occurring Disorders
• Suicidal Behaviour Disorders
• Non-suicidal Self-Injury Disorders
• Diagnostic criteria and behavioural manifestations (signs/symptoms/presentation/characteristics, interventions/treatments) for the following categories of child and adolescent mental health disorders:
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Behaviour Disorders
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
• Early Psychosis
• Addictions and substance use disorders, dependency theories, treatments and interventions, definitions, types, and harm reduction versus abstinence
• Aggression, violence and abuse theories, cycle of abuse, types of abuse (sexual, physical, emotional, neglect), denial, resistance, poverty
• Introduction to psychotropic medications and relevance to MHSU practice
• Alternative and complementary therapies
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate basic knowledge concerning neurobiology with regards to mental health disorders;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of various assessment tools (MSE, Risk Assessment);
3. Understand the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of (Mental Disorders, most current edition);
4. Understand the prevalence, etiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatments for various categories of mental health and addiction/substance use disorders;
5. Understand the diagnoses, behavioural manifestations, treatments, interventions, and rehabilitation for addictions, substance use and co-occurring disorders;
6. Understand the impact of anger, aggression, abuse, and violence related to the physical and mental health of individuals and families;
7. Demonstrate basic knowledge of psychotropic medications in treating symptoms of mental disorders, and related side effects and outcomes;
8. Demonstrate knowledge of alternative and complementary therapies.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course.
This course is a graded course, not a mastery course.
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials will be provided for students at the beginning of the semester.
Students in the MHSU program are required to maintain a passing grade of 65% (C+) in all courses to progress in the program.