THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Course Number: SW393R1 Instructor’s name: Kate Wambach, (SW390R16) Ph.D., A.C.S.W. Unique Number: 59850 Office Number: SWB 3.122B Semester: Fall, 1998 Office Phone: 471-7287 Home: 303-0718 Meeting Time/Place: Thursday, Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday, 5:30-8:30pm, 4:00-5:00pm OR by SWB2.118 appointment CLINICAL ASSESSMENT & DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS…MHCD (MENTAL DISORDERS AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS) I. Standardized Course Description This course will examine the incidence and etiology of significant dysfunctional behavior patterns in individuals and families. Current biological, psychosocial, and cultural theories as they pertain to mental disorders will be presented. The course will also address classification of psychiatric dysfunction and biological/pharmacological intervention. The course is organized using a bio-psycho-social framework. Prerequisites: This course is required of MSSW students in the Mental Health/Chemical Dependence Services concentration. Completion of the MSSW foundation year coursework or advanced standing status is the necessary pre-requisite for enrollment in this course. II. Standardized Course Objectives By the end of the semester, students should be able to: 1. Demonstrate familiarity with psychosocial and cultural theories on the etiology of dysfunctional behavior patterns, with special attention given those labeled psychiatric illness; 2. Compare and critically evaluate the current biological, psychological, cultural, and ecological theories which address mental illness with a particular emphasis on the relationship between socioeconomic status and or membership in an at-risk population and having or being diagnosed with a mental illness; - 1 -3. Evaluate the interplay of psychological, social, physical, and economic conditions associated with development, maintenance, and treatment of problems in social functioning as experienced by individuals of differing race/ethnicity, gender, age, culture, sexual orientation, and ability; 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the major classification scheme used in the United States and its relationship to the International Classification of Diseases; 5. Demonstrate an ability to apply classification schemes accurately related to case material; 6. Demonstrate an understanding of the limitations in using classification schemes in understanding human behavior and the dangers of mislabeling persons from at-risk populations; 7. Critically evaluate the efficacy of selected treatment approaches to various mental disorders and compare the availability of treatment options in private and public delivery systems with attention to issues of social and economic justice; 8. Examine personal values as they relate to social work values and ethics in direct practice in mental health and chemical dependence services. III. Teaching Methods The primary teaching methods will be lectures, discussion, and group exercises. Guest lecturers, group presentations, and audio-visual presentations will also be utilized. Within each of the diagnostic groupings (see course schedule), attention will be given to (a) diagnostic features; (b) subtypes and/or specifiers; (c) associated features and disorders; (d) specific culture, age, and gender features; (e) prevalence; (f) course (e.g., typical age at onset, progression, etc.); (g) familial patterns; and (h) differential diagnosis. Based on this information, discussion will focus on (a) the relevancy of various theoretical approaches in understanding the etiology of the disorders; (b) the contribution of cultural diversity issues in understanding the development and maintenance of the disorders; (c) the typical treatment approaches used with the disorders; and (d) typical value and/or ethical dilemmas associated with the disorders. IV. Required and Recommended Texts, and Materials Required: American Psychiatric Association (APA). (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th Edition). Washington, DC: Author. Reading Packet from Speedway Copy (Dobie Mall) - 2 -V. Course Requirements The following course requirements will be completed during the semester, with points given for each course requirement. Grading will be based on total points accrued by the end of the course. Examinations (Course objectives #1-6, 8): Two examinations will be given during the course of the semester (see course schedule for due dates). All exams will be given in a take-home format; students will receive the exam questions at least one week prior to their due date. The examinations will be include case materials (for assigning diagnoses), short answer, and essay questions. Examinations must be TYPED and answers to essay questions must be presented in APA format. Each exam will be worth a maximum of 100 points. 200 points maximum, examinations Paper (Course objective #7): Each student will complete a major paper focused on assessment and treatment of a diagnostic category of his or her choice (see course schedule for relevant due dates). The paper should be written in APA style and should not exceed 15 typewritten pages in length (excluding references and title page). Content should include: (a) a critical examination of assessment methods and instruments relevant to the particular disorder; (b) a review of the literature regarding the efficacy of treatment approaches with the chosen disorder; and (c) an overview of any relevant contributions of diversity issues to the understanding of the development, maintenance, and treatment of the disorder. In addition to the formal paper, students will give a brief presentation regarding treatment in their area of interest to the class and prepare an annotated bibliography for distribution to their classmates. Papers will be graded on both content and writing style. 100 points maximum, paper Final grades: A total of 300 points may be earned for the above activities. Grades will be assigned as follows: 270-300 points = A 240-269 points = B 210-239 points = C 180-209 points = D below 180 pts. = F Graduate students must earn a minimum grade of C in the course for credit; also, graduate students must maintain an overall B average. - 3 -VI. Class Policies 1. It is important for social work practitioners to be punctual in both attendance and in meeting deadlines. Therefore, class attendance is