Psychological Disorders
Unit Outlines

Psychological Disorders

AI Generated Intermediate 40 hours 11 topics

Learning Objectives

5 objectives
  • Understand the classification and symptoms of major psychological disorders.
  • Gain knowledge of the DSM and its role in diagnosing mental health conditions.
  • Analyze the characteristics, causes, and treatments of specific psychological disorders.
  • Explore various therapeutic approaches used in mental health treatment.
  • Develop critical thinking about the impact of psychological disorders on individuals and society.

Content Outline

Preview

Unit 1473: Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Approaches

1. Introduction to Psychological Disorders

  • Definition of psychological disorders
  • Categories of psychological disorders
    • Anxiety disorders
    • Mood disorders
    • Psychotic disorders
    • Personality disorders
    • Eating disorders
    • Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
    • Neurodevelopmental disorders
    • Substance-related and addictive disorders
  • Common symptoms and general effects on individuals

2. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

  • Purpose and history of the DSM
  • Structure and organization of the DSM
  • Role of the DSM in clinical diagnosis
  • Diagnostic criteria and classification system
  • Limitations and criticisms of the DSM

3. Anxiety Disorders

  • Overview of anxiety disorders
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
  • Panic Disorder: symptoms, triggers, management
  • Phobias: specific, social, and agoraphobia
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): symptoms, compulsions, therapeutic options

4. Mood Disorders

  • Definition and significance
  • Major Depressive Disorder: symptoms, causes, treatments
  • Bipolar Disorder: types, mood episodes, management
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): characteristics, causes, interventions

5. Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

  • Introduction to psychotic disorders
  • Schizophrenia: positive and negative symptoms, cognitive impairments
  • Schizoaffective Disorder: symptoms and differentiation
  • Potential causes and risk factors
  • Treatment approaches: medication and psychosocial interventions

6. Personality Disorders

  • Definition and classification
  • Borderline Personality Disorder: characteristics, emotional regulation issues
  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder: traits and interpersonal effects
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder: behavioral patterns and implications
  • Impact on individuals and relationships

7. Eating Disorders

  • Overview and significance
  • Anorexia Nervosa: symptoms, risk factors, treatment
  • Bulimia Nervosa: binge-purge cycle, health consequences, therapy
  • Binge-Eating Disorder: characteristics, causes, interventions

8. Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

  • Disorders related to traumatic experiences
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): symptoms, causes, treatments
  • Acute Stress Disorder: differentiation from PTSD
  • Adjustment Disorders: types and management

9. Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  • Overview of neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): symptoms, diagnosis, interventions
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): presentation and management
  • Intellectual Disability: definition, assessment, support strategies

10. Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

  • Definition and scope
  • Substance Use Disorders: alcoholism, drug addiction
  • Behavioral Addictions: gambling disorder
  • Impact on physical and mental health
  • Treatment options: detoxification, therapy, support groups

11. Therapeutic Approaches for Psychological Disorders

  • Overview of treatment modalities
  • Psychotherapy: types and applications
  • Medication: antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): principles and effectiveness
  • Alternative treatments: mindfulness, art therapy, and others
  • Importance of individualized treatment plans
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Quick Information

Unit Psychological Disorders
Difficulty Intermediate
Duration40 hours
Topics11
CreatedJul 20, 2026
GeneratedJul 20, 2026 10:37

Prerequisites

  • Basic understanding of human psychology
  • Introductory knowledge of mental health concepts

Recommended Resources

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
  • Barlow, D. H., & Durand, V. M. (2014). Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach. Cengage Learning.
  • Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2014). Abnormal Psychology (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Mayo Clinic. Psychological Disorders Overview. https://www.mayoclinic.org
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov

Unit Topics

11
Introduction to Psychological Disorders
Overview of what psychological disorders are, including the different categories and common symptoms...
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
Explanation of the DSM, its role in diagnosing psychological disorders, and the criteria used for cl...
Anxiety Disorders
Examination of different types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic dis...
Mood Disorders
Exploration of mood disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder, in...
Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Analysis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and other psychotic disorders, focusing on symp...
Personality Disorders
Study of personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality dis...
Eating Disorders
Investigation of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder,...
Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders
Overview of disorders stemming from traumatic experiences, including post-traumatic stress disorder...
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Examination of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hype...
Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
Study of substance use disorders like alcoholism, drug addiction, and gambling disorder, exploring t...
Therapeutic Approaches for Psychological Disorders
Discussion of various therapeutic modalities used in treating psychological disorders, including psy...