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Theory, Research & Treatment of Mental Health Problems - HEA00140M

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  • Department: Health Sciences
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Katie Pybus
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

Develop your knowledge and understanding of different perspectives on the underlying causes of mental ill health at the individual and population level, as well as key principles of diagnosis, assessment and treatment of clinical mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and psychosis. Study and critically analyse the evidence base for current treatment and prevention strategies, taught by staff with clinical and research expertise in mental health.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

Through this module, students will develop their knowledge of core theoretical concepts in mental health. Students will learn about different perspectives on the underlying causes of mental ill health at the individual and population level, as well as key principles of diagnosis, assessment and treatment of clinical mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and psychosis. Students will study the evidence base for current treatment and prevention in mental health, as well as developing an understanding of measurement in mental health research and key points of contention in the field. Students will learn from a range of experts including academics and experts by experience and develop the skills to apply their understanding in clinical scenarios and in designing research questions relevant to mental health. Students will be supported in their future employment goals through exposure to a range of professionals working in different areas of mental health research and practice via dedicated careers workshops.

Module learning outcomes

  1. Articulate the epidemiology of mental health and illness.

  2. Discuss key theories relating to the determinants of mental health and illness, applying these at the individual and population level.

  3. Describe and critically discuss key psychiatric diagnoses and associated evidence-based treatments.

  4. Synthesise evidence in mental health research and practice, drawing conclusions that add to the existing evidence base.

  5. Engage with key theoretical, conceptual and methodological debates in mental health research.

Module content

The module begins by introducing key theoretical concepts relating to the determinants of mental health and illness, alongside situating mental health research and clinical practice in global, social and historical context. Students will then explore and critically analyse the research and treatment evidence base for specific mental health difficulties, for example, depression, anxiety, psychosis and consider the epidemiological features of each condition. The latter part of the module is dedicated to exploring the challenges associated with research specific to mental health with a particular focus on measurement, data sourcing and ethics. Careers and research funding application guidance have been included in the module so that students are well-equipped to make future employment decisions as they progress through their course.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Presentation: Group and individual verbal feedback will be provided following the presentation.

Essay: Written feedback will be provided within the time limits specified by the University Policy on Assessment Feedback.

Indicative reading

Lambert, M. J. (2013). Bergin and Garfield's handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change. Edited by Michael J. Lambert. (6th ed.). Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons.

Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: basics and beyond (2nd ed.). New York; London: Guilford Press.

Link, B. and Phelan, J. (2001). Conceptualizing stigma. Annual Review of Sociology, 27, 363-385.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.