Forensic Psychology (MA) Program

Course Descriptions

PY 524—Child and Adolescent Psychopathology

This course provides an overall introduction to psychopathology and diagnostic clinical work with children and adolescents. It includes an overview of classification, the context of normal development, diagnostic procedures and techniques, issues of culture and diversity in regard to assessment and diagnosis, as well as some of the biological underpinnings of psychological development (genetics, temperament, etc.). Basic theoretical constructs from developmental, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems and trauma perspectives are introduced to allow the student to generate hypotheses about clinical data in terms of etiology and treatment. DSM IV-TR differential diagnosis is taught and the major disorders are covered including, but not limited to: conduct, oppositional-defiant and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders; learning disabilities; anxiety and depression; narcissistic and borderline syndromes; pervasive developmental disorders; and psychosis.

Updated 10/18/07