Understanding Psychological Disorders

By Dr. Pradnya N. Kulkarni | Savitribai Phule Pune University

Learners enrolled: 315

This course consists of important categories of psychological disorders that are part of Diagnostic and Statistical manual (DSM 5) and International classification of diseases (ICD 11). This paper attempts to introduce to the clinical picture of disorders like Anxiety and stress related disorders, neuro-developmental disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders etc. Understanding of causes of these conditions and specific treatment strategies are also discussed in this course. It is a highly applicable body of knowledge in clinical settings. The challenges to mental health issues are discussed worldwide. The increased incidence and prevalence of mental disorders is an issue of concern for the society. Awareness of psychological disorders and its early identification is important in devising preventive measures. Thus, this online course has been designed to help students to learn a basic understanding about the nature of Psychological disorders, causes and treatment. It will help students to dispel myths and misconceptions about mental illness. The students who are the representatives of society can apply this knowledge to themselves, and to help families and society. The online mode of this course will allow interested students to learn at their own pace and as per their convenience. The course will make use of videos, simple activities, case studies and discussions so that students are able to relate to this field and will develop the interest to explore this field further.

Summary

Course Status :	Upcoming
Course Type :	Core
Language for course content :	English
Duration :	15 weeks
Category :	Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit Points :	5
Level :	Undergraduate
Start Date :	13 Jan 2025
End Date :	30 Apr 2025
Enrollment Ends :	28 Feb 2025
Exam Date :	17 May 2025 IST
NCrF Level	6.0
Industry Details :	Health Education and Training Sector
Exam Shift :	II

Note: This exam date is subject to change based on seat availability. You can check final exam date on your hall ticket.

Page Visits

Course layout

Week 1: Definition of Abnormal Behaviour, Historical Conception of Mental Disorders, History of mental disorders: Development in 19th century and Eastern perspective, Classification system and Diagnosis of mental disorder

Week 2: Biological perspective to abnormal behaviour, Psychoanalytic perspective to abnormal behaviour, Behavioural Perspective to abnormal psychology, The cognitive and humanistic perspective of abnormal psychology

Week 3: Professionals working with mental disorders, Clinical Assessment: Case History, Mental Status Examination, Clinical assessment using diagnostic tools

Week 4: Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorders and Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Etiological Theories of Anxiety Disorders, Treatment for Anxiety Disorder

Week 5: Trauma and stress related disorder, Adjustment disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Acute stress disorder

Week 6: Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Somatic symptom disorder, Conversion disorder, Dissociative disorder

Week 7: Intellectual disability - introduction, Causes of intellectual disability, Types of Mental retardation, Treatment of Intellectual disability, Assessments of Intellectual disability

Week 8: What is learning disability?, Types of learning disability, Identification of Learning disability, Remedies for Learning disability

Week 9: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD: Causes and treatment, Autism spectrum disorder, Autism: Causes and treatment

Week 10: Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Bing Eating disorder, Risk Factors, Treatment & Prevention of Eating Disorder

Week 11: Alcohol abuse and dependence, Psycho-social factors in Alcohol, Clinical picture of alcohol related disorder, Treatment of alcohol dependence

Week 12: Narcotics - Opiates and Stimulants, Narcotics – Sedatives & Hallucinogens, Behavioral addictions, Treatment of addiction

Week 13: Function of Sleep & Normal sleep cycle, Sleep-wake disorders - Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, and Sleep Apnea, Nightmare and REM sleep behaviour disorder

Week 14: Elimination Disorders - Enuresis and Encopreis

Books and references

- Barlow D.H. & Durand V.M. (2005). Abnormal Psychology: An Integrated Approach (4th Ed.).Wadsworth: New York.

- Bennett,P. (2006). Abnormal and Clinical Psychology: An introductory textbook. New York: Open University Press.

- Brewer,K. (2001). Clinical Psychology. Oxford : Heinemann Educational Publishers

- Carson, R.C., Butcher,J.N.,Mineka,S.& Hooley,J.M. (2008). Abnormal Psychology. New Delhi: Pearson.

- Kearney, C. A. & Trull, T. J. (2012). Abnormal Psychology and Life: A dimensional approach. New Delhi : Cengage learning.

- Kring,A.M.,Johnson,S.L.,Davison G.C. & Neale J.M. (2010). Abnormal Psychology (11th Ed.).NY: John Wiley.

Instructor bio

Dr. Pradnya Kulkarni is an Assistant Professor at Sir Parashurambhau College. She brings over two decades of rich experience in postgraduate-level teaching. Her academic and professional expertise lies in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Positive Psychology, and School Psychology. In addition to being an accomplished academician, Dr. Kulkarni has extensive experience as a clinical and counseling practitioner. She has worked with a wide range of individuals, including those from clinical populations, adolescents, and young adults. Her approach is deeply informed by her dedication to fostering mental well-being and personal growth across different demographics. A key area of her practice and research focuses on developing and implementing Positive Psychology interventions. She has guided numerous training programs tailored to various groups, equipping them with strategies to enhance psychological resilience, well-being, and overall quality of life. Dr. Kulkarni’s work is marked by her commitment to applying psychological principles in meaningful ways to create positive change and support individual and collective mental health.

Course certificate

Dear Learners,

For getting the certificate and credits, you are required to attempt a minimum of 5 weekly assessments and appear for the end course proctored examination in person. The announcement of the proctored examination will be done separately in due course of time.

The Swayam Board considers marks for best of 5 assessments. You have to secure a minimum of 40% marks average in all the assessments to be eligible for the end course proctored examination.

The exam is optional for a fee of Rs 1000/- (Rupees one thousand only). Announcement will be made when the registration form is open for registrations.

CRITERIA TO GET A CERTIFICATE

Average assignment score = 30% of average of best 5 assessments out of the total assessments given in the course.

Exam score = 70% of the proctored certification exam score out of 100

Final score = Average assignment score + Exam score

YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CERTIFICATE ONLY IF AVERAGE ASSIGNMENT SCORE >=12/30 AND EXAM SCORE >= 28/70. If one of the 2 criteria is not met, you will not get the certificate even if the Final score >= 40/100.

Note: Only the e-certificate will be made available. Hard copies will not be dispatched.

Happy learning.