HPS978 - Biological and Neuropsychological Perspectives on Disorder

Content

This unit is focused on applying a biopsychosocial model of health into the practice of clinical psychology. This aligns with contemporary perspectives on health and mental health that take into account a range of determinants across the biological, psychological and social domains. It begins by examining psychopharmacology as it relates to a comprehensive treatment plan for many psychological disorders and in doing so introduces the integrated nature of biology and psychology in the treatment of mental disorders. Students will be extended to consider how biological and psychological treatments can be effectively integrated, including through the review of key principals of inter-professional practice. They will also specifically focus on the treatment of Pain as a clinical psychology application of these principals.

The Unit is also designed to review and extend students overall understanding of behavioural neuroscience and neuroanatomy. This is achieved by examining these concepts through the lenses of Psychological Medicine and the Neuroscience of Interpersonal Development and how these specialty areas of clinical psychology support the assessment, prevention and treatment of mental disorders commonly seen by Clinical Psychologists. A highlight of the Unit is the examination of how contemporary perspectives on the neurobiology of mental disorders has supported the development of third wave evidence based psychological therapies including somatic therapies. Consistent with the wider intended learning outcomes of the Clinical post-graduate program, emphasis is placed on developing students capacity to formulate and communicate treatment planning for clients within the inter-professional context and taking into account a biopsychosocial view of complex psychological disorders.

Unit Fee Information

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