GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is a basic course on schizophrenia. A detailed description of the disease, its etiology, course and symptoms are provided. The risks and benefits of different treatment options are reviewed and alternative views of Schizophrenia are also proffered. A critique of this diagnosis and treatments currently in use is presented.

This beginning-intermediate level course consists of six sections reviewing the diagnosis and treatment for schizophrenia and detailing the critique of accepted and common ways to diagnose and treat schizophrenia. The first set of articles reviews the history, diagnosis, and etiology of schizophrenia. The next set of articles summarizes the pharmaceutical interventions that are available and articulates some of the most common adverse side effects of antipsychotic medications. The next set of articles presents non-pharmaceutical treatment options for schizophrenia. These articles are followed by a set of articles, which present dissenting, alternatives and critical opinions about the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia. The final set of articles summarizes terms, updates and resources for clients and therapists.

 
Educational Objectives:

This course will teach psychotherapists to
• Define schizophrenia and describe symptoms generally associated with it.
• Outline the basic etiology of schizophrenia.
• Identify the classic and contemporary treatments for schizophrenia.
• Discuss alternative views and schizophrenia and critique current ideas and interventions.
• Compare and contrast pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Course Syllabus:

• Defining the Disease
  • Basic definitions and descriptions
  • Diagnosis
  • Terminology associated with the disease
  • Etiology of the disease
• Pharmaceutical Treatment of the Disease
  • Medications
  • Adverse reactions
• Non-pharmaceutical interventions
  • Confrontive
  • Rehabilitative
  • Cognitive
  • Intermittent long-term
  • Village Approach
• Critical Analysis of Available Treatments
  • Risks and benefits associated with the diagnosis
  • Risks and benefits associated with medication
  • Szasz’s and Laing’s critiques of the diagnosis and treatment
  • Web sites and References
• Resources and Updates
  • Resources for clients & therapists
  • Updates

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