SW 640 - Current Diagnostic Trends: Integrating the DSM-5 with the Strengths’ Perspective

This course provides students with a deeper understanding of the process of diagnosing mental disorders utilizing the latest framework as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition, 2013 (DSM-5). Students learn the characteristics related to specific Behavioral Health diagnoses. In addition, students are challenged to integrate the psychopathological perspective with the Strengths Perspective. Students learn the importance of generating accurate diagnosis while at the same time attending to the person’s uniqueness, social context, issues of poverty, discrimination and exclusion that contribute to their sense of social well- being, health and connectedness. This course is organized around the DSM-5 as it is the major diagnostic framework used in mental health systems. The focus will be on major affective, cognitive, anxiety, trauma, alcohol and drug, and personality disorders that graduates are likely to encounter in behavioral health social work practice. The limitations and controversies related to the use of the DSM-5 will be supplemented by the strengths assessment and will assist students in furthering their critical thinking skills. The course assesses Social Work EPAS Competencies 1,2,7,8,9.
Credits: 3