Describes the basic features of mental disorders using an epistemological framework that facilitates understanding in the context of public health research and practice. Includes discussion of the distinction between neurological activity and mental life, and briefly presents the historical as well as current state of knowledge of the most common psychiatric conditions. Framework includes four fundamental perspectives for understanding mental disturbances: disease, dimension, behavior, and life story, with explanation of the distinct etiopathologic nature each perspective brings to bear on the problem of defining, classifying, and measuring mental disorders.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Distinguish between neurological activity and mental life
• Define the value of an epistemological approach to psychiatric conditions
• Distinguish between normal human responsiveness and psychiatric symptoms, behaviors, syndromes, disorders, and diseases
• Demonstrate an understanding of the need for the practical utility of viewing psychiatric conditions from four perspectives
• Define the key elements of, and the distinctions between, a psychiatric history and a mental status examination
• Describe the principles of ascertainment, measurement, and classification of psychiatric signs and symptoms (strengths and weaknesses)
• Distinguish between a psychiatric nomenclature, nosology, and diagnostic classification
• Describe presentations, types, ranges, and key features of major psychiatric syndromesÑdementias, schizophrenia, affective disorders, psychoactive substance use disorders, mental retardation, and disorders of adjustment to life circumstances
• Describe difficulties in assessing and comparing degrees of impairment associated with the different major psychiatric syndromes
• Define relationships among all four psychiatric perspectives in understanding, assessing, measuring, and treating major psychiatric syndromes

Grades are based on three factors: class participation, a midterm exam, and a final exam. These factors are allocated to the following percentages:

• Class participation (10%)—Includes LiveTalk attendance and BBS participation
• Midterm exam (30%)—Evaluates student retention of information from first half of the course
• Final exam (30%)—A non-comprehensive final exam that tests retention of information from the second half of the course
• Wiki assignment (30%)
• Extra credit—A possible total of 7 points

LiveTalks are open discussion sessions between students and faculty. The faculty have no particular agenda coming into the LiveTalks other than to be available to you. So please bring to each LiveTalk any questions/issues you have pertaining to course content and lectures. LiveTalks are a great opportunity for you to share thoughts, questions, and concerns you may have while going through the lectures and to have your questions answered by Drs. McHugh and Romanoski.

We understand, though, that not everyone’s schedules will coincide, and that you may have scheduling conflicts. If you are unable to attend a LiveTalk session, please send Drs. McHugh, Romanoski, and the TA an email so we know that you will not be in attendance. You can still “participate” in the LiveTalk by sending your questions to the TA in advance.

Please note that the complete audio and chat text as well as any presentation materials that occur during the LiveTalks is recorded and archived. Shortly after the end of the LiveTalk session, you will be able to access it in archived form, from the initial LiveTalk page.

Remember that class participation is counted as 10% of your final grade. This constitutes participation in the Live Talks, posting questions/comments to the BBS to exchange with other students and faculty, and “attendance” in course lectures. Please be advised that faculty are able to monitor your progress as you view and progress through the various lectures.

Primary Faculty: Paul R. McHugh, MD Meyer 127 410-502-3150 pmchugh1@jhmi.edu Contributing Faculty: Alan J. Romanoski, MD Meyer 176 410-955-7011 aromano1@jhmi.edu Teaching Assistant: Jennifer Judy jtoolan@jhsph.edu

This course has one required textbook: McHugh, P., Slavney, P. (1998). The Perspectives of Psychiatry, Second edition. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

You should read the entire text twice—quickly the first time, but then as you work through the lectures re-read corresponding chapters to gain a more thorough understanding.

You can buy the textbook from an online bookseller such as Amazon, or through the Matthews Johns Hopkins Medical Book Center: