COU-714 Emotional & Behavioral Disorders Across the Lifespan

This course is designed to provide a foundation in the conceptualization, identification and treatment of emotional and behavioral disorders across the lifespan. Attention will be given to the specific symptoms associated with common psychological disorders such as those addressed in the DSM-5 and medical diagnoses that may have emotional, behavioral or learning implications for children, adolescents and adults. In addition, the course will take into account cultural aspects, age considerations, associated complications, and predisposing factors. This important foundation is reinforced through case studies with emphasis on case formulation, conceptualization and potential interventions. Intervention and treatment planning using a strength- and wellness-based model will be considered. Additionally, attention is given to the appropriate preventive measures. Students will begin to utilize the DSM system of classification while not being completely bound by this system and thus begin to develop their own working models of how maladaptive patterns of adjustment develop, persist and can evolve into newer, more adaptive patterns of functioning.