This course describes the basic features of mental disorders using an epistemological framework that facilitates understanding in the context of public health research and practice. It includes a 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. The framework presented includes four fundamental perspectives for understanding mental disturbances: disease, dimension, behavior, and life story, with an explanation of the distinct etiopathologic nature each perspective brings to bear on the problem of defining, classifying, and measuring mental disorders.

• Username and password: Your eLearning username and password are needed to access most of this Web site. If you have forgotten them, use the account retrieval form.
• Computing requirements and tutorials: Please take a moment to review: Computing requirements for online students; tutorials for technologies used in online courses.
• Help: Feel free to contact DEhelp if you encounter technical difficulties with this site.
• Fair use: The material at this Web site is subject to the copyright of the owners of the material and is being provided under rules of fair use for registered students in this course only. No additional copies of the copyrighted work may be made or distributed.
• Privacy policy: Please be advised that your access to certain portions of this Web site is tracked for educational purposes—much like taking "class attendance" at an on-site course. This information is accessible only by course faculty and the Center for Teaching and Learning with Technology.