Serious Mental Illness - PSY00114M

Department: Psychology
Credit value: 20 credits
Credit level: M
Academic year of delivery: 2025-26
- See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 2 2025-26

Module aims

The main aim of this module is to offer a balanced and nuanced overview of the different approaches used in the understanding and treatment of what may be termed ‘Serious Mental Illness’ (SMI), namely schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and related conditions. These will incorporate a wide range of biological, cognitive, social and philosophical approaches without being dominated by a single framework or position. Students will learn about and be able to critically evaluate cutting-edge research evidence coming from various interdisciplinary conceptualisations about the nature of SMI and their clinical management. This module will consist of both formal lectures and small group-based activities such as discussions focusing on anonymised case studies and first-person accounts, presentations, and debates based on current and emergent issues in research. Despite an emphasis on theoretical knowledge, students will engage with materials derived from the latest research evidence from multiple sources and frameworks and be encouraged to adopt a pluralist stance. The use of first-personal accounts from individuals living with SMI will enhance the realness and richness of the course content, as well as provide foundations for empathic understanding and dispel misconceptions and stigma frequently associated with SMI.

Module learning outcomes

To demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of past and present approaches to the diagnosis, conceptualisation and treatment of SMI
To compare and contrast models of SMI symptoms (including delusions, hallucinations, mania, psychotic depression) and their nature, aetiology and impact on individuals diagnosed with an SMI
To critically evaluate the latest evidence for and against different models and frameworks for diagnosing, describing and treating SMI
To support ways of accommodating for pluralistic approaches and demonstrate an ability to be tolerant and inquisitive towards differing views in mental health research and practice
To demonstrate and actively value scientific curiosity about the nature of self, reality, truth and knowledge

Module content

Serious Mental Illnesses: Definitions, diagnosis and basic concepts
Models of delusions and hallucinations in the context of SMI
Affective disturbances (mania and psychotic depression) in the context of SMI
Neurobiological basis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Cognitive basis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Phenomenology of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Treating SMI: Pharmacological approaches
Treating SMI: Psychological approaches
Summary: The future of research into SMI

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	40
Essay/coursework	60

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	40
Essay/coursework	60

Module feedback

Marks will be available on e:vision.

Indicative reading

Essential reading:

Jauhar, S., Johnstone, M., & McKenna, P. J. (2022). Schizophrenia. The Lancet, 399(10323), 473–486.
McIntyre, R. S., Berk, M., Brietzke, E., Goldstein, B. I., López-Jaramillo, C., Kessing, L. V., ... & Mansur, R. B. (2020). Bipolar disorders. The Lancet, 396(10265), 1841-1856.7