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Jen D'Andrea

This course presents an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology. The course is made up of 5 modules, the first of which provides an introduction to the field through discussions of the concept of psychological abnormality, assessment and classification, and the major models in use for understanding psychological abnormality. The remaining four modules provide overviews of major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Lectures within each of these modules address symptoms and behaviors, epidemiology, causal theories, treatment interventions and multicultural findings and considerations.

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This course presents an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology. The course is made up of 5 modules, the first of which provides an introduction to the field through discussions of the concept of psychological abnormality, assessment and classification, and the major models in use for understanding psychological abnormality. The remaining four modules provide overviews of major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Lectures within each of these modules address symptoms and behaviors, epidemiology, causal theories, treatment interventions and multicultural findings and considerations.

The course also seeks to assist participants with becoming more adept at noticing when a family member, friend, or colleague may be experiencing psychological distress, as well as develop the comfort level required for initiating an empathic, compassionate conversation with a person of concern. Toward this goal, the last lecture of each module is dedicated to the topic “Foundations of Empathy.”

This course is not designed to assist participants with resolving their own experiences of psychopathology, nor it is intended to prepare participants to act as psychotherapists for distressed individuals in their personal lives.

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Syllabus

Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Mood Disorders: Depression and Mania
Anxiety Disorders
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Stress and Trauma-Related Disorders
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of the different facets of abnormal psychology, making it suitable for those interested in gaining a broad understanding of the field
Taught by experienced instructor Jen D'Andrea, who has significant expertise in the field of abnormal psychology
Emphasizes empathy and compassion in interacting with individuals experiencing psychological distress, fostering a valuable soft skill
Covers a wide range of topics within abnormal psychology, providing a well-rounded foundation for further exploration

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Abnormal Psychology with these activities:
Review basic neuroscience concepts related to abnormal psychology
Reinforce your understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying psychological functioning.
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  • Review your lecture notes and textbooks from previous neuroscience courses.
  • Attend a refresher workshop or online course on neuroscience basics.
  • Read scientific articles or books on the neurobiology of abnormal psychology.
Participate in a group discussion on stigma and discrimination in mental health
Gain insights into the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions and develop strategies for promoting inclusivity.
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  • Join an online or in-person support group or forum dedicated to mental health awareness.
  • Attend a workshop or presentation on reducing stigma and discrimination in mental health.
  • Engage in respectful and open discussions about mental health with friends, family, and colleagues.
Gather a collection of resources on mental health support and services
Compile a comprehensive list of resources to assist individuals in accessing the help they need.
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  • Research and identify reputable organizations and websites that provide mental health support.
  • Collect contact information for crisis hotlines, support groups, and mental health professionals.
  • Organize the resources into a user-friendly format, such as a spreadsheet or website.
Four other activities
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Practice diagnosing common abnormal psychology symptoms
Complete practice problems to cement the understanding of psychological abnormality diagnostic criteria.
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  • Use online practice materials to test your knowledge of various psychological disorders.
  • Join a study group and practice diagnosing symptoms together.
  • Take practice exams and mock diagnostic assessments.
Explore online resources for coping mechanisms and treatment interventions
Familiarize yourself with different treatment options and strategies for managing psychological distress.
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  • Research evidence-based interventions for different psychological disorders.
  • Watch video demonstrations of therapeutic techniques and strategies.
  • Explore online support groups and forums to connect with others and learn from their experiences.
Develop an empathy-building exercise or activity
Enhance your ability to recognize and respond to the emotional experiences of others.
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  • Identify a specific scenario or situation where empathy is crucial.
  • Design an activity or exercise that encourages participants to put themselves in the shoes of others.
  • Facilitate the activity or exercise with a group of peers or colleagues.
Create a mental health self-care plan
Develop personalized strategies for maintaining your own mental well-being.
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  • Identify your triggers and develop coping mechanisms.
  • Establish a regular routine that includes healthy sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
  • Identify support systems and resources that can assist you when needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Abnormal Psychology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologists use their knowledge of mental illness to assess, diagnose, and treat patients. They may also provide psychotherapy, conduct research, and consult with other professionals. This course may be useful to Clinical Psychologists because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Clinical Psychologists better understand the symptoms and behaviors of their patients, as well as develop effective treatment plans.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists use their knowledge of mental illness to diagnose and treat patients. They may also provide psychotherapy, prescribe medication, and conduct research. This course may be useful to Psychiatrists because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Psychiatrists better understand the symptoms and behaviors of their patients, as well as develop effective treatment plans.
Counseling Psychologist
Counseling Psychologists use their knowledge of mental health and counseling techniques to help people cope with a variety of personal, social, and emotional challenges. They may work in private practice, schools, hospitals, or other settings. This course may be useful to Counseling Psychologists because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Counseling Psychologists better understand the symptoms and behaviors of their clients, as well as develop effective treatment plans.
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic Psychologists use their knowledge of psychology and the law to help solve crimes and provide expert testimony in court. They may work for law enforcement agencies, district attorneys' offices, or private practice. This course may be useful to Forensic Psychologists because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Forensic Psychologists better understand the behavior of criminals and witnesses, as well as develop effective interventions.
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists use their knowledge of the brain and behavior to assess and treat people with brain injuries or other neurological conditions. They may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice. This course may be useful to Neuropsychologists because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Neuropsychologists better understand the cognitive and behavioral challenges faced by their patients, as well as develop effective interventions.
Educational Psychologist
Educational Psychologists use their knowledge of psychology and education to help students succeed in school. They may work in public or private schools, or they may work for educational consulting firms. This course may be useful to Educational Psychologists because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Educational Psychologists better understand the challenges faced by students, as well as develop effective interventions.
Health Psychologist
Health Psychologists use their knowledge of psychology and health to help people improve their health and well-being. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice. This course may be useful to Health Psychologists because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Health Psychologists better understand the challenges faced by their clients, as well as develop effective interventions.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists use their knowledge of psychology and business to improve the workplace. They may work for corporations, government agencies, or consulting firms. This course may be useful to Industrial-Organizational Psychologists because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Industrial-Organizational Psychologists better understand the challenges faced by employees, as well as develop effective interventions.
Addiction Counselor
Addiction Counselors use their knowledge of addiction and counseling techniques to help people overcome substance abuse problems. They may work in private practice, addiction treatment centers, or other settings. This course may be useful to Addiction Counselors because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Addiction Counselors better understand the challenges faced by their clients, as well as develop effective interventions.
Developmental Psychologist
Developmental Psychologists study the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children and adolescents. They may work in academia, research institutions, or private practice. This course may be useful to Developmental Psychologists because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Developmental Psychologists better understand the challenges faced by children and adolescents, as well as develop effective interventions.
Rehabilitation Psychologist
Rehabilitation Psychologists use their knowledge of psychology and rehabilitation to help people with disabilities live full and independent lives. They may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice. This course may be useful to Rehabilitation Psychologists because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Rehabilitation Psychologists better understand the challenges faced by their clients, as well as develop effective interventions.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselors use their knowledge of mental health and counseling techniques to help people cope with a variety of mental health challenges. They may work in private practice, schools, hospitals, or other settings. This course may be useful to Mental Health Counselors because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Mental Health Counselors better understand the symptoms and behaviors of their clients, as well as develop effective treatment plans.
Hospice Social Worker
Hospice Social Workers provide emotional and practical support to patients and families who are facing end-of-life issues. They may work in hospices, hospitals, or private practice. This course may be useful to Hospice Social Workers because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Hospice Social Workers better understand the challenges faced by their clients, as well as develop effective interventions.
Social Worker
Social Workers use their knowledge of social problems and human behavior to help people improve their lives. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, and social service agencies. This course may be useful to Social Workers because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help Social Workers better understand the challenges faced by their clients, as well as develop effective interventions.
School Psychologist
School Psychologists use their knowledge of mental health and education to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They may work in public or private schools, and they may provide individual or group therapy, consultation with teachers and parents, and crisis intervention. This course may be useful to School Psychologists because it provides an overview of the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This knowledge can help School Psychologists better understand the symptoms and behaviors of their students, as well as develop effective interventions.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Abnormal Psychology.
This comprehensive textbook is commonly used in abnormal psychology courses at academic institutions. It covers the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the field of abnormal psychology.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is an essential reference tool for mental health professionals and students.
This textbook provides a clinical perspective on abnormal psychology. It covers the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. It also includes case studies and exercises to help students apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
This textbook provides a clinical perspective on abnormal psychology. It covers the major domains of abnormal psychology, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, stress and trauma-related disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. It also includes case studies and exercises to help students apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of abnormal psychology. It covers the history of abnormal psychology, the major models of psychopathology, and the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
This textbook is commonly used in abnormal psychology courses at academic institutions. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the field of abnormal psychology and valuable reference tool for mental health professionals and students.
Covers the diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders. It is an essential reference for mental health professionals who work with patients with personality disorders.
Explores the impact of trauma on the brain and body. It provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on trauma and its treatment.
Provides information and support for families of people with schizophrenia. It covers the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of schizophrenia.
Provides a practical guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders using the DSM-5. It valuable resource for mental health professionals who are new to the DSM-5 or who need a refresher.

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