Syllabus -- [PDF Download]
January 24 -- [LINK]
This page provides an overview as to how abnormal behavior, and what we now consider mental illness, was viewed and handled during various periods in history. As you read over it, do not focus on particular names or dates, but rather look for themes and
general conclusions as to each historical period. In other words, take notes on what was considered to be the cause of mental disorder during each period.
January 26 -- [LINK]
This page provides an overview of the DSM, the system by which mental disorders are classified. You can skip the section labeled "History" and focus on how the
DSM is used and the potential problems with it.
January 31 -- [LINK]
This page provides an overview of the primary factors currently considered as possible causes of mental illness and disorder. You can start with the section labeled
"Nature and nurture" and finish with the section labeled "The biopsychosocial model of mental illness." The page is quite lengthy, but there are several factors that need to
be covered.
Febraury 2 -- [LINK 1]
[LINK 2]
Link 1 takes you to a page about Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), whereas Link 2 is to a page about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). For the second
link, be sure to follow the prompts to view all 3 pages.
February 7 -- [LINK 1]
[LINK 2]
Link 1 takes you to an overview of Panic Disorder (be sure to view both pages). Link 2 takes you to a good brochure on PTSD.
February 14 -- [LINK]
This link is to a good overview of major depression (unipolar depression).
February 16 -- [LINK]
This link takes you to an introduction to Bipolar Disorder. Start here and then view each of the subsequent linked pages from this one (the other pages cover
such topics as causes, symptoms, and treatments).
February 21 -- [LINK]
Read at least up to the section labeled "How are suicidal thoughts and behaviors assessed?" As you read those 3-1/2 pages, focus on such topics as who is
most likely to attempt suicide, complete it, when, and so forth.
February 23 -- [LINK]
This link is to an overview of Somatoform Disorders. Familiarize yourself with each one. You have to click on the "next" tab for each page, up to the page titled "Differential Diagnosis." What do you think?
February 28 -- [LINK]
The link is to a page describing anorexia nervosa. From there, select the pages on the side tool bar for "Bulimia Nervosa," "Binge Eating," and
"Not Specified." These are the DSM diagnoses for eating disorders.
March 13 -- [LINK]
Start at the top and read through the section labeled "Self-Medication Hypothesis." Be sure to focus on the differences among drug abuse, dependence, and addiction. Also, be familiar with the different classes of drugs and the common examples of each. Was there anything that surprised you?
March 15 -- [LINK]
This link is to a brief overview of sexual dysfunction. After reading it, go back up to the links embedded within the list of dysfunctions and read through the section labeled "Symptoms" at the individual page for each of the following disorders: hypoactive sexual desire disorder, erectile dysfunction, female orgasmic disorder, male orgasmic disorder, premature ejaculation.
March 20 -- [LINK]
The link is to the page reporting the proposed changes to the DSM for the sexual and gender identity disorders. You read about sexual dysfunctions last time, so this time check out the links for each of the individual types of paraphilia as well as the few links related to gender identity disorder (GID). Note that near the top of the page is a new form of paraphilia
labeld Paraphilic Coercive Disorder, so be sure to include that one.
March 22 -- [LINK]
The link takes you to a page providing a nice overview of schizophrenia. Note the different subtypes, each of which is a different diagnosis.
March 29 -- [LINK]
The link takes you to a nice overview of dissociative identity disorder (DID). Note that at the end of the first page there are links for pages 2, 3, and 4.
April 3 -- [LINK ]
[LINK 2]
Link 1 takes you to an overview of amnestic disorders, whereas Link 2 takes you to a good description of the most common form of dementia: Alzheimer's disease.
April 5 and 10 -- [LINK]
This link takes you to a nice overview of personality disorders, along with descriptions of each of the 10 official diagnoses. So, as you click on the link to each particular form of personality disorder, and familiarize yourself with each, be sure to click the "back" arrow in your browser to make sure you do not miss any of the 10 types.
April 17 -- [LINK 1]
[LINK 2]
Link 1 takes you to information about ADHD, whereas Link 2 takes you to information about conduct disorder.
April 19 -- [LINK]
This entry is relatively long, but there is much to cover in understanding autism and some of the myths and unfounded fears as to what causes it, etc.
April 24 -- [LINK 1]
[LINK 2]
Link 1 takes you to the Wikipedia entry for the insanity defense in criminal court proceedings. Read up to the section titled "History of the Insanity Defense." The second link takes you to the brief instructions on how to have someone committed for mental health treatment if that individual lives in Lexington County, SC. What do you think about both brief readings?
