M-2 Basic Psychiatry
Overview and Contact Information
According to the World Health Organization and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, psychiatric disorders are among the most disabling and financially costly health problems. Further, research findings reviewed by the National Institute of Mental Health suggest that approximately a quarter of U.S. adults will meet criteria for a mental disorder each year, with an almost one-in-two lifetime prevalence of some mental disorder. Thus, mental health represents a national health concern, and all healthcare providers must be equipped to serve the needs of patients with psychiatric illness.
The purpose of the Block 4 Basic Psychiatry Course is to provide medical students basic clinical psychiatric knowledge and skills, including those related to sexuality, gender identity, interpersonal functioning, and problematic alcohol and substance use. Primarily, the emphasis of the course will be on learning DSM-5 diagnosis and classification of mental disorders. It is expected that this knowledge and skill set will be used to facilitate effective healthcare outcomes through increased understanding of the nature of psychiatric illness, early and accurate detection of psychiatric disorders in patients, and enhanced awareness of treatment options.
Coursework
This course includes large class sessions (both lectures and flipped classroom sessions), case-based learning with live patients, and standardized patients and groups. Students will also attend an AA/NA/Al-Anon meeting and write a reflection on their experience. A student’s grade in the class will be based on performance on exams and quizzes, as well as professional participation in course activities.
Course Objectives
- Assess and accurately diagnose major psychiatric disorders with a psychiatric evaluation that includes an interview and mental status exam.
- Generate an accurate differential diagnosis by applying knowledge of psychopathology.
- Describe and compare the diagnostic criteria, etiology, and epidemiology for the major psychiatric disorders across the lifespan.
- Describe the neurobiological basis of substance use disorders and indicate both intoxication and withdrawal symptoms.
- Describe the explanatory and descriptive models and classification systems for the major psychiatric disorders.
- Identify essential features of and indications for motivational interviewing, major psychotherapy approaches, and 12-step groups.
- Describe psychiatric aspects of special situations, including emergencies (including suicide and violence), geriatric care, chronic pain, and interpersonal violence.
- Describe major issues in sexual health and medicine, including transgender healthcare.
- Use feedback to critically reflect on one’s own knowledge, expertise, and performance.
- Communicate clearly, respectfully, and empathetically while providing and receiving effective feedback, both with other professionals and with patients (regardless of patient problems, personal characteristics, or cultural background).
- Identify basic ethical principles as applicable to psychiatric issues.