Mental health disorders are highly prevalent and impact hugely on individuals, their families and society. This paper aims to promote an in-depth understanding of these conditions. It incorporates discussion of current psychological and neurobiological models, epidemiology and classification, combined with knowledge about typical presentations.
| Paper title | Nature, Extent and Assessment of Mental Disorders |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PSME401 |
| Subject | Psychological Medicine |
| EFTS | 0.25 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $3,018.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- PSMX 401
- Limited to
- MHealSc, PGCertHealSc, PGDipHealSc
- Eligibility
Suitable for all applicants working in the mental health field who have an appropriate three-year tertiary degree.
- Contact
- More information link
- View further information about PSME 401
- Teaching staff
- Convenor: Associate Professor Caroline Bell
- Paper Structure
- The paper covers a broad range of mental health disorders.
- Teaching Arrangements
This Distance Learning paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching.
Two 3-day workshops in Christchurch. Attendance at both block courses is compulsory. Some additional sessions will be held via Zoom.
- Textbooks
- Current key articles in the different mental health areas will be provided by the lecturers. This means that readings are current and relevant.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Critical thinking.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Students who successfully complete the paper will
- Recognise and understand the symptomatology and pathophysiology of the common mental disorders
- Understand the epidemiology and natural history of the common mental disorders
- Develop an understanding of the role of cultural factors in mental disorders
- Understand classification and diagnosis of mental disorders - particularly the strengths and limitations of such classification systems
- Consider the ethical issues involved in psychiatric assessment and diagnosis
- Develop knowledge to enhance clinical skills involved in the assessment and recognition of mental disorders
- Develop skills in recording and conveying a psychiatric history, with particular emphasis on mental status examination
- Understand some of the principles of immediate management of mental disorders
