Description
This course explores the neurobiological, genetic, and neurochemical etiology of mental illness as described and categorized according to the DSM-V. In the class we will discuss how psychology, neuroscience research, pharmacology and medicine come together to manage mental illness. For each specific mental illness covered we will investigate how changes in physiology and biology might manifest in the aberrant behaviors we observe as psychologists. Lastly, we will examine how pharmacology is often used to treat mental illness and how genetic expression is involved in predisposing some people to these disorders while sparing others.
Prerequisite: General Psychology; Abnormal Psychology is recommended but not required.