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Serious Mental Illness - PSY00114M

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Clara Humpston
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

The main aim of this module is to offer a balanced and nuanced overview of the different approaches used in the understanding and treatment of what may be termed ‘Serious Mental Illness’ (SMI), namely schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and related conditions. These will incorporate a wide range of biological, cognitive, social and philosophical approaches without being dominated by a single framework or position. Students will learn about and be able to critically evaluate cutting-edge research evidence coming from various interdisciplinary conceptualisations about the nature of SMI and their clinical management. This module will consist of both formal lectures and small group-based activities such as discussions focusing on anonymised case studies and first-person accounts, presentations, and debates based on current and emergent issues in research. Despite an emphasis on theoretical knowledge, students will engage with materials derived from the latest research evidence from multiple sources and frameworks and be encouraged to adopt a pluralist stance. The use of first-personal accounts from individuals living with SMI will enhance the realness and richness of the course content, as well as provide foundations for empathic understanding and dispel misconceptions and stigma frequently associated with SMI.

Module learning outcomes

  • To demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of past and present approaches to the diagnosis, conceptualisation and treatment of SMI
  • To compare and contrast models of SMI symptoms (including delusions, hallucinations, mania, psychotic depression) and their nature, aetiology and impact on individuals diagnosed with an SMI
  • To critically evaluate the latest evidence for and against different models and frameworks for diagnosing, describing and treating SMI
  • To support ways of accommodating for pluralistic approaches and demonstrate an ability to be tolerant and inquisitive towards differing views in mental health research and practice
  • To demonstrate and actively value scientific curiosity about the nature of self, reality, truth and knowledge

Module content

  • Serious Mental Illnesses: Definitions, diagnosis and basic concepts
  • Models of delusions and hallucinations in the context of SMI
  • Affective disturbances (mania and psychotic depression) in the context of SMI
  • Neurobiological basis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
  • Cognitive basis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
  • Phenomenology of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
  • Treating SMI: Pharmacological approaches
  • Treating SMI: Psychological approaches
  • Summary: The future of research into SMI

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay (self cert) : Serious Mental Illness		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Marks will be available on e:vision.

Indicative reading

Essential reading:

  • Jauhar, S., Johnstone, M., & McKenna, P. J. (2022). Schizophrenia. The Lancet, 399(10323), 473–486.
  • McIntyre, R. S., Berk, M., Brietzke, E., Goldstein, B. I., López-Jaramillo, C., Kessing, L. V., ... & Mansur, R. B. (2020). Bipolar disorders. The Lancet, 396(10265), 1841-1856.7

Recommended reading:

  • Humpston, C.S., and Broome, M.R. (2020). Thinking, Believing, and Hallucinating Self in Schizophrenia. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7(7), 638-646.
  • Toh, W. L., Moseley, P., & Fernyhough, C. (2022). Hearing voices as a feature of typical and psychopathological experience. Nature Reviews Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-021-00013-z
  • Durdurak, B. B., Altaweel, N., Upthegrove, R., & Marwaha, S. (2022). Understanding the development of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder in young people: a meta-review of systematic reviews. Psychological Medicine, 1-14.


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.