NURS 761
Neuropathophysiology & Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders: A Lifespan Approach
1. Catalog Entry
NURS 761
Neuropathophysiology & Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders: A Lifespan Approach
Credit hours (4)
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing in Nursing or Permission of Instructor; NURS 760
The conceptual development of brain-behavior relationships for individuals with mental illness and psychiatric disorders along with application to practice is the focus of this course. Students develop advanced skills for the differential diagnosis of mental and substance use disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Students refine their observational and interviewing skills, use and interpret screening tools, laboratory tests, and behavioral assessments. The course also incorporates skills in the comprehensive and collaborative management of culturally diverse clients with psychiatric disorders in a variety of health care settings.
2. Detailed Description of Course
The conceptual development of brain-behavior relationships for individuals with mental illness and psychiatric disorders along with application to practice is the focus of this course. Students develop advanced skills for the differential diagnosis of mental and substance use disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Students refine their observational and interviewing skills, use and interpret screening tools, laboratory tests, and behavioral assessments. The course also incorporates skills in the comprehensive and collaborative management of culturally diverse clients with psychiatric disorders in a variety of health care settings.
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This online course explores and synthesizes theoretical concepts, therapeutic techniques and evidence-based practices using the brain and behavioral paradigin, promotes demonstrated proficiency in interviewing skills and behavioral assessment with assigned readings and online lectures, student-directed discussions, written work, individual presentations, self-reflective activities, and lesting with faculty engagement to reinforce concepts.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
Upon completion ofthe course, the student will be able to:
1. Understand the biological bases of psychiatric disorders across the life spat,
including genetic risk factors.
2. Implement evidence-based clinical practice guidelines that guide screening, diagnosis
and treatment ofpsychiatric disorders.
3 Recognize psychiattic emergencies by determining the levels of risk and initiating
coordinating effective emergency care.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of diagnostic skills using the DSM-5.
5. Review and apply the skills and techniques required to conduct a comprehensive
psychiatric and mental health evaluation of clients of all ages.
6. Apply commonly occurring complications of mental health problems with psychiatric
disorders including physical health probleins.
7. Demonstrate culturally competent care among patients with diverse psychiatric disorders
and different developmental stages.
8. Develop legal and ethically balanced treatment plans that are comprehensive and
collaborative, as well as consistent with the current evidence and standards of care.
9. Demonstrate self-awareness of emotional reactions, attitudes, and beliefs related
to mental illness
5. Assessment Measures
Participation ni reading and online learning, Discussion Board postings, Reflective Journal submissions, testing, Mental Health Case Presentation, and Comprehensive Neurological Examination to demonstrate knowledge of psychiatric assessment and diagnostic skills.
6. Other Course Information
None.
Review and Approval
May 11, 2015
March 22, 2021