Abnormal Psychology: FLEX Class

Hi and welcome to "Abnormal Psychology"!

***This is a 6-week FLEX course intended for high school aged students. There will be no live meetings.***

***Just a disclaimer: this is NOT mental health advice, nor should this class be treated as a substitute for professional help. This class will be taught from a scientific lens, as we will explore psychological disorders, the history of mental illness, case studies, and treatments.***

Week 1: History of Abnormal Psychology
In this class, we will discuss perceptions of mental illness through the ages from Ancient Greece through the 1960's. We will explore how political revolutions affected the way mental health was perceived in America and affected the treatment options available for mentally ill people. I will introduce different theoretical perspectives on mental illness such as behaviorism and humanism, and then introduce the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual For Psychological Disorders (DSM-5) which we will be using for reference throughout this class. Students will have the opportunity to synthesize what they learn by engaging in the activities provided outside of class (worksheet and discussion board). 

Week 2: Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
In this class, we will explore different anxiety disorders, OCD, and look at case studies of each. We will watch real footage of people with these psychological disorders, and we will refer to the DSM-5's criteria for diagnosis. We will also discuss treatment options available to people with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders. Students will have the opportunity to synthesize what they learn by engaging in the activities provided outside of class (worksheet and discussion board). 

Week 3: Depressive and Mood Disorders
In this class, we will explore different depressive disorders and bipolar disorder, and look at case studies of each. We will watch real footage of people with these psychological disorders, and we will refer to the DSM-5's criteria for diagnosis. We will also discuss treatment options available to people with depressive and mood disorders. Students will have the opportunity to synthesize what they learn by engaging in the activities provided outside of class (worksheet and discussion board). 

Week 4: Personality Disorders
In this class, we will explore different personality disorders and look at case studies of each. We will watch real footage of people with these psychological disorders, and we will refer to the DSM-5's criteria for diagnosis. We will also discuss treatment options available to people with personality disorders. Students will have the opportunity to synthesize what they learn by engaging in the activities provided outside of class (worksheet and discussion board). 

Week 5: Psychotic and Dissociative Disorders
In this class, we will explore different psychotic disorders, dissociative disorders, and look at case studies of each. We will watch real footage of people with these psychological disorders, and we will refer to the DSM-5's criteria for diagnosis. We will also discuss treatment options available to people with psychotic and dissociative disorders. Students will have the opportunity to synthesize what they learn by engaging in the activities provided outside of class (worksheet and discussion board). 

Week 6: Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Wrap-Up
In this class, we will explore different developmental disorders, such as autism (ASD), and look at case studies of each. We will watch real footage of people with these psychological disorders, and we will refer to the DSM-5's criteria for diagnosis. We will also discuss treatment options available to people with neurodevelopmental disorders. Students will have the opportunity to synthesize what they learn by engaging in the activities provided outside of class (worksheet and discussion board). At the end of this class, we will wrap up all that we have learned in the previous 6 weeks by playing fun games and doing a review of the material covered.