Overview

Clinical psychology is the scientific study of mental illness. This module takes an integrative approach and will discuss some of the leading mental leading mental disorders among adults, children and adolescents. Specifically, this module will review the classification of these disorders, and examine the contribution of psychological, biological and sociocultural determinants of mental illness and examine treatment approaches. Theories, clinical applications, empirical research and contemporary issues will be reviewed within the discussion of metal health.

Topic Areas: Historical aspects, current approaches, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, childhood and adolescent problems, and neurodevelopmental disorders

Assessment Strategy

.Excellent Shows a comprehensive and accurate coverage of the topic area. Shows good clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates depth of insight into theoretical issues. Shows extensive background reading and study. A highly focused answer that is well structured and written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Few grammatical and punctuation errors. Shows original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Evaluates the evidence base presented, rather than being a shallow over-view without any depth of understanding. Has a good evidence base (Grade level: A- to A*). Threshold Shows a poor coverage of the topic area. Has poor clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates a weak insight into theoretical issues. Shows limited background reading and study. A poorly focused answer that is unstructured and not written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Many grammatical and punctuation errors. Fails to show any original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Fails to evaluate the evidence base presented, it is just a shallow over-view without any depth of understanding or meaning. Has a weak evidence base (Grade level: C+ to C-). Good Reasonable coverage of the topic area. Shows a reasonable level of clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates a reasonable level of depth of insight into theoretical issues. Shows a reasonable level of background reading and study. A reasonably focused answer that is reasonably structured and written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Some grammatical and punctuation errors. Shows some level of original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Shows some evaluation of the evidence base presented, rather than just being a shallow over-view. Has a reasonable evidence base (Grade level: B- to B+).

Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of psychological theories and research findings in the intervention and promotion of mental wellbeing in a specific area of clinical psychology

• Critically analyse core theories and current research that underpins aetiology conceptualisation and treatment formulation for a range of psychological disorders, whilst considering the impacts of social and cultural factors. .

• Demonstrate understanding of the symptoms and theories of aetiology for a range of psychological problems and disorders.

• Discuss the current issues in clinical psychology, considering their impacts on individuals, communities, and mental health services.

• Identify a range of psychological disorders using diagnostic classification systems (e.g., DSM, ICD)