The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to mental disorders in adult humans. We will discuss diagnostic issues and methods used to study psychopathology. We will also examine a variety of mental disorders from several different theoretical and treatment perspectives. Focus will be on diagnosis, epidemiology, course of the disorder, etiology, and treatment issues.

We will also briefly examine ethical and legal issues pertaining to psychopathology. A major goal of the course is to promote greater awareness and knowledge of psychopathology in hopes that we can reduce the suffering and stigma associated with mental disorders.