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Neuropathology and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Lifespan
Course #: NURSNG 645
Description:
Students are provided a fundamental and functional understanding of the neurobiology, epidemiology, psychology, sociology and clinical manifestations that make up the diagnostic criteria for the most common and complex mental disorders in the US population across the lifespan. Students learn to 1) use a holistic perspective to collect data using standardized psychiatric evaluation instruments and other reliable and valid assessment tools, 2) differentiate between normal/abnormal age-related physiological and psychological symptoms and changes, 3) evaluate risk for adverse outcomes such as suicide or an adverse social or drug effect, and 4) formulate a differential diagnosis integrating a holistic perspective that views a person within their sphere of relationships, the environment, and social systems. There is an emphasis throughout this course on developing critical thinking skills, awareness of the impact of systems, and synthesizing a holistic psychiatric evaluation. Cultural differences and inclusion/exclusion dynamics are seriously considered in the psychiatric diagnostic formulation. Students learn to critically evaluate research findings in the area of neuropathology, social determinants of physical and mental health. This course is a core course for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track
Pre Requisites: Pre-requisite: NURSNG 614 and NURSNG 615