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Department of Psychology

PS910: Clinical Psychology in Adult Mental Health (2020/21)

Module Code:

PS910

Module Name:

Clinical Psychology in Adult Mental Health

Module Credits (CATS):

15

 

Module Convener

TBA

Module Teachers

TBA

 

Module Aims

The over-arching aim of this module is to provide an introduction to some of the psychological factors that have specific relevance for adults and older adults.

Along with child and adolescent specialties, adult and older adult mental health is one of the key areas of specialisation for professional Clinical Psychologists. This module will provide students on the MSc in Clinical Applications of Psychology with a broad theoretical background and introduce them to key professional issues in the adult and older adult specialisations. The module will evaluate of the main theoretical approaches to adult psychological distress, and consider the repercussions of the increasing importance of evidence-based practice. The module will consider the distinctive contribution Clinical Psychology can make in a multi-disciplinary workplace alongside other professions such as counselling, psychiatric nursing and specialist psychotherapists.

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Identify and evaluate the key theoretical approaches to psychological disorder in adults
  • Identify and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic methods proposed by these approaches
  • Differentiate major categories of psychological disorder with a diagnostic system such as the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)

All Learning Objectives are assessed by all elements of the assessment.

 

Module Work Load

Module Length

10 weeks

Lectures

10 lectures of 2 hours each

Attendance

Attendance at lectures is compulsory

 

Module Assessment

Assessed work:

Exam - 2 hour, open-book

Weighting:

100%

Module Programme

Topics covered on the course will likely include:

    1: Introduction to working with adults

    2: Cognitive behavioural therapy: anxiety

    3: Working with trauma

    4: Cognitive behavioural therapy: depression

    5: Mental health from a physical health perspective

    6: Third Wave Approaches to Psychosis

    7: Dementia

    8: Introduction to ageing

    9: Older people: mental health presentations and treatment

    10: Changing relationships

     

    Module Reading List

    • Carr, A. (2012) Clinical Psychology: An introduction. Hove: Routledge.
    • Carr, A. & McNulty, M. (2006) The handbook of adult clinical psychology: An evidence-based practice approach. Hove: Routledge.
    • Johnston, L. & Dallos, R. (eds.) (2013) Formulation in psychology & psychotherapy: Making sense of people’s problems (second edition). London: Routledge (First edition is available as an e-book).
    • Laidlaw, K. & Knight, B. (eds.) (2008) Handbook of emotional disorders in later life: Assessment and treatment. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
    • Woods, B. (ed.) (1999) Psychological problems of ageing: Assessment, treatment & care. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.