This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles, concepts, and scope of Clinical Psychology in relation to the assessment, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders in adults, children, and adolescents. Furthermore, it analyzes the necessity for future speech and language therapists to acquire knowledge in Clinical Psychopathology and Counseling. The course reviews traditional and contemporary schools of thought concerning the understanding and management of psychopathological manifestations and deviant behavior. Modern nosographic classification systems of mental disorders are presented, with particular emphasis on the principles and diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5. At the same time, the course aims to develop a critical understanding of issues related to the identification and diagnostic assessment methods, evaluation, and therapeutic intervention for both common and severe mental disorders. Ethical and deontological issues concerning research, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illnesses are also discussed. A detailed presentation is provided on the clinical picture, epidemiology, prognosis, and risk factors for the manifestation of each psychopathological entity, as well as the protective factors that mitigate such risks. Particular reference is made to etiopathogenetic models for understanding the development of psychopathology within psychological, social, and neurobiological theoretical frameworks. Special attention is also given to the impact of mental disorders on an individual’s psychosocial functioning, as well as to the effects of stigma and self-stigma on mental health as consequences of psychiatric diagnosis. Different therapeutic approaches are presented, along with the integration of psychotherapeutic, psychosocial, and psychopharmacological interventions. Finally, the course addresses counseling techniques for approaching patients and their families from the perspective of the speech and language therapist.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:

• be familiar with contemporary theoretical approaches to psychopathology and the main diagnostic classification systems of mental disorders, as well as with the methods and techniques of psychological assessment of mental difficulties
• have acquired fundamental knowledge of the different models explaining the etiology and pathogenesis of mental disorders
• be able to describe the diagnostic characteristics of various mental disorders
• be acquainted with the prevailing, evidence-based scientific methods applied in the research, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of different mental conditions
• have acquired basic theoretical knowledge concerning psychological intervention and counseling for individuals with mental difficulties and their families
• have internalized essential ethical and deontological principles regarding research, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment in the exercise of the clinical profession
• be sensitized to the importance of empathy and genuine respect toward individuals with communication difficulties, aiming to cultivate skills in addressing psychological challenges, developing a therapeutic alliance, and making appropriate referrals to mental health professionals for the client and their family when deemed necessary
  

• Promotion of free, creative, and inductive thinking
• Search, analysis, and synthesis of data and information, utilizing appropriate new technologies
• Ability to make decisions
• Independent work
• Respect for diversity and multiculturalism
• Demonstration of social, professional, and ethical responsibility
• Sensitivity to gender issues

• Basic principles, concepts, and terminology in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology – The importance of acquiring knowledge in Clinical Psychopathology and Counseling for speech and language therapists
• Traditional schools of thought and contemporary theoretical approaches in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology
• Principles and criteria for the classification of mental disorders according to the DSM-5: etiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. Psychological assessment: clinical interview, questionnaires, personality and intelligence tests
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive–compulsive and related disorders
• Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
• Somatic symptom and related disorders
• Mood disorders – Suicidality
• Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
• Personality disorders
• Disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Neurocognitive disorders

The evaluation is conducted in Greek. For Erasmus students, in English.

Written final examination includes:

• Multiple choice questions
• Short answer questions
• Knowledge application questions (based on a short problem report/case study)

Suggested Bibliography (Eudoxos)

1. Hooley, J. M., Butcher, J. N., Nock, M. K., & Mineka, S. M. (2020). Ψυχοπαθολογία [Abnormal Psychology] (M. Georgiadi, A. Kalaitzaki, V. Kanellopoulos, K. Koutra, & V. Siafaka, Eds.). Utopia. Eudoxus ID: 86200233
2. Kring, A., & Johnson, S. (2023). Ψυχοπαθολογία: Η επιστήμη και η αντιμετώπιση των ψυχολογικών διαταραχών [Abnormal Psychology: The science and treatment of psychological disorders] (P. Roussi, E. Avdi, & A. Kalaitzaki, Eds.). Gutenberg. Eudoxus ID: 122089900
3. Oulis, P. (2010). Εγχειρίδιο κλινικής ψυχοπαθολογίας [Manual of clinical psychopathology]. BETA Medical Arts. Eudoxus ID: 40164
4. Christopoulos, A. (2020). Εισαγωγή στην ψυχοπαθολογία του ενήλικα [Introduction to adult psychopathology]. MOTIBO. Eudoxus ID: 94692455

Suggested Scientific Journals

• Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science
• Clinical Psychology Review
• Journal of Clinical Psychology
• Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
• Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
• Journal of Counseling Psychology

https://eclass.uop.gr/courses/3909/