The main goal of this class are to gain an introductory exposure to the nature of the psychiatric disorder known as schizophrenia as revealed by the scientific method. We will discuss a broad range of findings from the scientific investigation of biological and psychological factors related to schizophrenia and its treatment. More specifically we will learn about: (1) key symptomatic features through discussion and enactments of interviews with actors portraying many of the cardinal features of the illness, (2) what brain imaging studies (MRI and fMRI) and neurochemistry have taught us about the neuroscience of the disorder, (3) scientific psychological data and theories concerning cognition, emotion and behavior in schizophrenia, and (4) current, evidence-based somatic and psychosocial approaches to treatment. A brief historical overview of the recent emergence of the psychiatric category of schizophrenia will be presented as well.
Offered By
Wesleyan University
10,809 enrolled
About this Course
9,248 recent views
Skills you will gain
PsychologyPsychiatryPsychiatric DisordersPsychotherapy
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
11 hour to complete
An Introduction to the Disorder
The first module is focused on introducing key symptom characteristics of the psychiatric diagnosis known as schizophrenia, and describes current thinking around potential causes and biological correlates of the disorder.
6 videos (Total 49 min)
6 videos
Louis Wain's Cats4m
Prevalence, Demographics, and Etiology8m
Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Positive, Negative, and Disorganized9m
Diagnosis and Cognitive Defects9m
Introduction to the Neuroscience of the Disorder5m
Week
22 hours to complete
Symptom Assessment and History
The second module is focused on a continuing exploration of symptoms in the disorder through simulated client-clinician interactions. Lectures in this unit also focus on the history of the treatment of schizophrenia in Western culture.
4 videos (Total 42 min), 1 quiz
4 videos
Demonstration: Negative Symptoms Example11m
History of the Diagnosis of Schizophrenia10m
History of Treatments for Schizophrenia11m
1 practice exercise
Midterm Exam40m
Week
31 hour to complete
Neuroanatomy and Neuroimaging
In the third module we begin to discuss the neurochemistry of the disorder as well as common manifestations of those diagnosed with schizophrenia on structural and functional brain MRI scans. First, though, we look at two more client-clinician simulations to explore symptoms and recovery.
5 videos (Total 28 min)
5 videos
Demonstration: Recovered Patient5m
Human Neuroanatomy and History of Neuroimaging5m
Structural Neuroimaging5m
Functional Neuroimaging4m
Week
41 hour to complete
Psychological Science
In the fourth module we discuss common cognitive deficits, disruptions in social cognition and cognitive models of the disorder.
8 videos (Total 65 min)
8 videos
Dopamine Hypothesis - Part 26m
Psychology of Schizophrenia: Introduction and History5m
Cognitive Deficits11m
Social Cognition4m
Cognition, Social Cognition, and Functioning8m
Psychological Mechanisms of Delusions and Hallucinations4m
Psychological Theories13m
Week
52 hours to complete
Intervention
In the fifth module we discuss approaches to treatment with a focus on both pharmacologic and psychosocial approaches.
6 videos (Total 50 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
6 videos
The Recovery Movement7m
Social Skills Training6m
CBT and Supported Employment12m
Cognitive and Social Cognitive Treatments9m
Conclusion1m
1 reading
Special Thanks10m
1 practice exercise
Final Exam40m
4.7
64 Reviews22%
started a new career after completing these courses
21%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Top Reviews
INTERESTING COURSE. I HAVEN'T GIVEN SCHIZOPHRENIA MUCH THOUGHT OVER THE YEARS, BUT AFTER THIS COURSE A FEW RELATIONSHIPS AND UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR RELATIVES MAKE MORE SENSE. THANKS SO MUCH.
Excellent short course. The course gives video case studies of symptoms and the content is presented in a factual and informative way, bot of which aid learning.
Instructor
Matt Kurtz
ProfessorPsychology and Neuroscience and Behavior
About Wesleyan University
At Wesleyan, distinguished scholar-teachers work closely with students, taking advantage of fluidity among disciplines to explore the world with a variety of tools. The university seeks to build a diverse, energetic community of students, faculty, and staff who think critically and creatively and who value independence of mind and generosity of spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
I am experiencing psychotic symptoms described in this course. Is this course a place to seek and receive help?
No. This course engages with the scientific research literature and the history of our understanding of the psychiatric disorder labelled schizophrenia. Instead we suggest that you contact your local mental health agency, or if you are in the US your state association for psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses or social workers. They can often provide you with a list of resources, sometimes at no cost, for receiving the help that you need. For more urgent needs you should contact a local crisis hotline, visit an emergency room, or in the US dial 911 and ask for assistance. Course postings are not monitored for reported psychiatric symptoms in course learners and are not to be used to report such symptoms.
Does the verified certificate mean that I am certified to render help to those with schizophrenia?
No, the verified certificate means that you have successfully completed this course by achieving the course learning objectives. Expertise in treating the disorder is derived through completion of accredited medical, nursing, psychologist or social work training programs with a focus on diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
Does this course contain anything disturbing?
The subject matter of the course will expose you to how psychotic symptoms, sometimes severe, may be expressed in individuals. Observing these symptoms (enacted by acting students) may be disturbing.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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