The course involves an investigation of dysfunctional behaviour in children and adults including a discussion of contexts. Candidates are trained towards an understanding of human actions that exceed the boundaries of culturally and socially accepted behaviour. Behaviours usually defined as normal/abnormal are critically discussed and studied from various paradigms, as well as the genetic and neurological processes will be examined. The focus of the course will be on the DSM and ICD.

CILO-1: Describe criteria clinical psychologists used to define abnormality. CILO-2: Describe the historical evolution, strengths and limitations/controversies of classification systems used in the diagnosis of mental disorders. CILO-3: Describe and critically evaluate strengths and limitations of research paradigms used in the study of psychopathology. CILO-4: Describe and distinguish between major categories of adult mental disorders and particular disorders within each diagnostic category. CILO-5: Describe and distinguish between mental disorders commonly found among children and adolescents. CILO-6: Describe theory and research on biological, developmental, psychological and sociocultural causes of and risk factors for particular mental disorders. CILO-7: Describe current psychological and pharmacologic/biological interventions of choice used in the treatment or prevention of specific mental disorders.