Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychopathology

Overview

In this unit, students will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) to inform decision-making about possible psychopathology in children, adolescents, and adults. Frameworks that conceptualise typical and atypical human development in the context of neurodiversity affirming and strengths-based practices across the lifespan are also taught. Students are provided opportunities to develop their skills in comprehensive, culturally safe case formulation and treatment planning for a range of psychological disorders, with awareness of the cultural and contextual factors that influence presentation and diagnosis. Client-centred, trauma-informed, ethical, and professional diagnostic and treatment practices, including how to engage in self-reflection and critical reflexivity, consult with peers, coordinate and integrate services, and make appropriate referrals, are emphasised so that clients receive accurate, safe, and effective support.

Additionally, this unit will explore historical, contemporary, and socio-ecological factors that impact well-being and contribute to the development of psychopathology. This understanding will provide students with a holistic view of mental health and assist them in providing equitable and culturally safe therapeutic services.

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of human development and neurodiversity across the lifespan, using neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based frameworks
2. Identify psychological disorders occurring across the lifespan using a recognised taxonomy, with awareness of cultural and contextual factors that influence presentation and diagnosis.
3. Develop culturally safe and comprehensive case formulation and treatment planning skills to improve outcomes for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing psychopathology, with a consideration of systemic issues and socio-ecological factors.
4. Operate within the boundaries of professional competence, engage in self-reflection and critical reflexivity, consult with peers and other relevant sources, and make appropriate referrals.
5. Apply culturally safe, trauma-informed, multi-disciplinary, and collaborative practice principles to the identification and treatment of psychological disorders across the lifespan.

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Assessment

Content

• Child, adolescent, and adult psychopathology
• Development and neurodiversity across the lifespan
• Neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based frameworks
• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR)
• Culturally safe case formulation and treatment planning
• Principles of trauma-informed, multi-disciplinary, and collaborative psychological practice
• Client-centred referral and understanding the roles of other service providers
• Culturally safe principles and socio-ecological factors in psychopathology 
• Self-reflection, critical reflexivity, and operating within the boundaries of professional competence
• Graduate Attribute 2 (Communication 2 - Communicating using different media)
• Graduate Attribute 3 (Teamwork 1 - Collaboration and negotiation)
• Graduate Attribute 4 (Teamwork 2 - Teamwork roles and processes)