Are all mental health disorders a reflection of similar underlying problems? This module explores the emerging and growing consensus that transdiagnostic approaches (i.e., focusing on commonalities across different mental health diagnoses, rather than differences between them) are necessary to improve understanding, classification and treatment of psychiatric conditions. Students will learn about the factors shared across people with different mental health diagnoses (e.g., memory problems, sleep disturbances, risk genes) and how these contribute to the development, persistence and resolution of various psychiatric conditions, including major depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The module content will draw on neurobiology, cognitive psychology and psychiatry to provide students with an extensive, interdisciplinary understanding of the relevant theoretical perspectives. Alongside this theoretical knowledge, students will learn how transdiagnostic approaches feed into evidence-based treatments and clinical practice. The module will be delivered through a combination of formal lectures, small group-based activities (with presentations focused on the critical evaluation of scientific papers) and debates focused on emergent issues in transdiagnostic mental health research.
Module learning outcomes
To show a developing understanding of the limitations of current diagnostic systems for characterising mental health conditions, and contrast that to the key tenets of a transdiagnostic approach.
To critically evaluate the latest studies providing evidence for neurobiological and cognitive vulnerabilities that cut across traditional diagnostic boundaries.
To explain how both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to mental health problems, and appreciate the role of sociocultural factors in mental health.
To identify the ways in which a transdiagnostic approach to mental health can be incorporated in psychological therapies and clinical practice.
Module content
Transdiagnostic approaches: what are they and why do we need them?
Emotion regulation and mental health
Disordered memory, disordered mind
The mental health function of sleep
Risk genes to clinical presentation
Sociocultural and environmental perspectives
Psychological therapy and clinical practice
Digital technologies and interventions
Precision and personalised medicine
Revision session
Indicative assessment
Task
% of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
100
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task
% of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
100
Module feedback
The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.