Neurobiology and Psychosocial Aspects of Psychopathology

Undergraduate / Graduate

The term "psychopathology" refers to a complex collection of constructs that we, in the Western world, have separated along diagnostic boundaries as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual (DSM-5). Understanding the assessment, etiology, and treatment of different psychological conditions requires a nuanced appreciation of the interacting genetic, neurobiological, developmental, social, and cognitive factors that contribute in varying degrees to the expression of mental illness. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the biopsychosocial model of psychopathology, and its application to five domains of mental illness (depression/anxiety, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder). Additionally, students will learn contemporary research methods for testing novel hypotheses about the causes and treatments of these conditions.