Studying at York
Theory, Research & Treatment of Mental Health Problems - HEA00140M
- Department: Health Sciences
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
- See module specification for other years: 2023-24
Module summary
Develop your knowledge and understanding of different perspectives on the underlying causes of mental ill health at the individual and population level, as well as key principles of diagnosis, assessment and treatment of clinical mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and psychosis. Study and critically analyse the evidence base for current treatment and prevention strategies, taught by staff with clinical and research expertise in mental health.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
Through this module, students will develop their knowledge of core theoretical concepts in mental health. Students will learn about different perspectives on the underlying causes of mental ill health at the individual and population level, as well as key principles of diagnosis, assessment and treatment of clinical mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and psychosis. Students will study the evidence base for current treatment and prevention in mental health, as well as developing an understanding of measurement in mental health research and key points of contention in the field. Students will learn from a range of experts including academics and experts by experience and develop the skills to apply their understanding in clinical scenarios and in designing research questions relevant to mental health. Students will be supported in their future employment goals through exposure to a range of professionals working in different areas of mental health research and practice via dedicated careers workshops.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
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Articulate the epidemiology of mental health and illness.
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Discuss key theories relating to the determinants of mental health and illness, applying these at the individual and population level.
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Describe and critically discuss key psychiatric diagnoses and associated evidence-based treatments.
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Synthesise evidence in mental health research and practice, drawing conclusions that add to the existing evidence base.
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Engage with key theoretical, conceptual and methodological debates in mental health research.
Module content
The module begins by introducing key theoretical concepts relating to the determinants of mental health and illness, alongside situating mental health research and clinical practice in global, social and historical context. Students will then explore and critically analyse the research and treatment evidence base for specific mental health difficulties, for example, depression, anxiety and psychosis. Careers and research funding application guidance have been included in the module so that students are well-equipped to make future employment decisions as they progress through their course. Sessions are designed to be interactive, to support students to develop practical skills alongside knowledge and understanding.
Session by session content
| Session | Title |
| 1 | Applied mental health research in social and historical context |
| 2 | Behavioural models of anxiety |
| 3 | Cognitive and behavioural models of depression |
| 4 | Cognitive models of anxiety |
| 5 | Third wave cognitive behavioural therapy |
| 6 | Stigma and diagnosis in mental health |
| 7 | Severe mental illness |
| 8 | Forensic psychology and clinical formulation workshop |
| 9 | Child and adolescent mental health |
| 10 | Critical thinking and writing at postgraduate level |
| 11 | Career pathways in mental health research and practice |
*please note session order may change based on speaker availability: please check your timetable for latest information*
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Written feedback will be provided within the time limits specified by the University Policy on Assessment Feedback.
Indicative reading
Lambert, M. J. (2013). Bergin and Garfield's handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change. Edited by Michael J. Lambert. (6th ed.). Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons.
Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: basics and beyond (2nd ed.). New York; London: Guilford Press.
Link, B. and Phelan, J. (2001). Conceptualizing stigma. Annual Review of Sociology, 27, 363-385.