PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
PSY 380
Fall, 2005
Instructor: Jennifer Mayer, Ph.D.
2nd Floor, Belmont Hall
jmayer@psych.udel.edu
Office Hours: Monday and Tuesday 11-12 or by appt.
Graduate Teaching Assistant: Jason Krompinger
121 McKinly
Jkrompi@udel.edu
302-831-1041
Office Hours: MW 1:30-3 pm or by appt.
Class Meetings: MWF 9:05-9:55 AM in 123 Sharp Lab.
Required Materials: Durand, V. M. & Barlow, D.H. (2006). Essentials
of Abnormal Psychology, 4th Edition. CA: Thomson Wadsworth.
* Supplementary Research Articles will also be required * -see list at
end
of syllabus
Abnormal Psychology Now: This comes with your textbook. Follow the
directions to register for the service.
Course Description: In this course we will explore deviations from
“normal” behavior and gain exposure to theories which attempt to
explain these deviations. Throughout the course we will seek scientific
answers to questions such as:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
What makes behavior abnormal?
What are the major psychological disorders?
How do we arrive at diagnoses?
What causes these disorders?
Who suffers from these psychological disorders?
How do we treat psychological disorders?
Grading: Your grade will be based on three non-cumulative exams,
class-participation points, research article reviews, and one project.
Exam 1: 100 Points ________________
my grade
Exam 2: 100 Points ________________
my grade
Exam 3: 100 Points ________________
my grade
Article Reviews 10pts. Each
1. ______ 2. ______
3. ______ 4. ______
5. ______
Class Participation Points: 42 possible points for Monday Questions
___________________
# Questions I submitted
58 possible points for In-Class Activities
___________________
# Of Earned Activity Points
Project: 100 Points
___________________
My grade
Total Possible Points = 550 + Up to 10 points Extra Credit
Grade = (your point total ÷ 550) x 100
A+ (97.5-100), A (92.5-97.4), A- (90.0-92.4), B+ (87.5-89.9), B (82.5-87.4), B- (80.082.4), C+ (77.5-79.9), C (72.5-77.4), C- (70.0-72.4), D+ (67.5-69.9), D(60.0-67.4),
F(<60)
Exams: The first two exams will be held during class as indicated on the
syllabus. The last test will be held during finals week. Each test will
contain a combination of multiple choice, definitions, and short answer
questions and will be worth a total of 100 points. Test content will be
based on material found in the course readings as well as on lecture
material. Not all test material will be covered in both formats.
Therefore, both reading the textbook and attending class will be
necessary to ensure you have received all information that will be
covered on exams.
Make-up tests will be offered only in the case of a SERIOUS and
documented personal emergency or family tragedy. If there is an
activity (e.g., musical performance, athletic event) that conflicts with the
exam, alternate arrangements must be made at least 1 week prior to the
exam. Make-up tests may differ from original tests in terms of format.
Class Participation Points:
Monday Questions: Each Monday you will bring a list of 3
questions based on the textbook reading assignment. Questions are to be
thought provoking and related to the assigned reading material. TYPE
ALL QUESTIONS in order to receive credit. You will receive 1 point
per question received (up to 3 points) at the start of Monday classes. If
you do not hand in your questions at the start of class on Monday you
forfeit those class participation points. If you will be unable to attend a
Monday class, please notify me ahead of time with the reason (e.g.,
campus event, religious holiday, illness). If there is a compelling reason
to excuse the absence (evaluated on a case by case basis), questions can
be e-mailed to me prior to that Monday’s class. Please DO NOT e-mail
your Monday questions unless you have arranged this with me ahead of
time.
In-Class Activities: Several times throughout the course of the
semester, there will be activities which supplement the lecture or text
materials. These activities are designed to be fun and thought
provoking. At the end of the in-class activities your work will be
collected and participation points will be allocated. You must be in class
to obtain these points.
Research Article Reviews: Five times throughout the semester there will
be an assigned research article that will be relevant to the current
course content (10pts. each). For each assigned article you will:
1. Identify the variables of interest
a. Independent variables (1pt.)
b. Dependent variables (1pt.)
2. Briefly describe the question the investigators attempted to
answer. (1pt.)
3. Describe the sample the investigators used (e.g., hospitalized
patients, how many?). (1pt.)
4. Identify the measurement tools used. (1pt.)
5. List the statistical analyses performed (you do not need to list
the statistical findings). (1pt.)
6. Describe the major findings of the study? (1pt.)
7. What are the implications of the study? (1pt.)
8. What are the limitations of the study? (1pt.)
9. What is your reaction to the study and why? (1pt.)
These article reviews must be typed. Answer the questions above in a
list format with numbers 1-9 going down the page.
Project: PICK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING 2 PROJECTS
1. Mental Illness and Culture-Bound Syndromes
The DSM-IV TR contains a glossary of culture bound syndromes which
are illnesses that are endemic to a particular culture. For this project
you are to choose 2 of these syndromes and research (provide citations):
A. Where is this disorder found?
B. Who might suffer from the disorder?
C. What are the symptoms of the disorder?
D. How is the disorder treated within the culture?
E. How is the etiology of the disorder explained within the
culture?
F. What is the prognosis of the disorder?
2. Mental Illness in the Movies: Should We Believe What We See?
Many people’s only concept of mental illness is based on the portrayal
of the illness in the movies. For this class project I would like you to
watch one of the popular films below ( or you may choose another film
if you discuss your choice with me first) in which a central character
suffers from a particular mental illness. I would like you to then write a
paper which includes the following:
1. Comprehensive Diagnosis (5 axes from the DSM-IV TR)
-your textbook also contains lists of the diagnostic
symptoms.
-the DSM-IV TR is available online at multiple websites
(e.g., http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/dsm4TRclassification.htm).
2. Discussion of the symptoms and how well the portrayal fits the
diagnostic criteria. For each criterion, cite examples of how the
character did or did not exhibit the symptom.
3. Identify possible treatments for the disorder (those attempted
in the movie, if any, and other treatments you have learned about
in class).
4. Discuss the prognosis for an individual with this disorder. You
will need to find at least 1 outside reference for this question.
5. Critically evaluate whether or not the film accurately portrayed
the mental illness you studied given your understanding of the
disorder.
Mercury Rising (1998, R)
28 Days (2000, PG-13)
Conspiracy Theory (1997, R)
As Good as it Gets (1997, PG-13)
Sybil (1976)
For the Love of Nancy (1994)
Rain Man (1993, R)
A Beautiful Mind (2001, PG-13)
Copycat (1995, R)
My Girl (1991, PG)
The Silence of the Lambs (1991, R)
Girl Interrupted (1999, R)
Schedule:
Week
Chapter(s)
8/31, 9/2
Begin Reading Chapter 1
9/5 No Class, Labor Day, 9/7*,
Chapter 1: Historical Context
9/9
* = Bring Questions Wednesday
Instead of Monday
9/12, 9/14, 9/16
Chapter 2: Integrative Approach
9/19, 9/21, 9/23 
Chapter 3: Assessment, Dx, Research
9/26, 9/28, 9/30 
Chapter 4: Anxiety Disorders
10/3, 10/5, 10/7
Exam 1: Monday 10/3
10/10, 10/12, 10/14 
Chapter 5: Somatoform and Dissociative
Disorders
Chapter 6: Mood Disorders 208-227
10/17, 10/19, 10/21
Chapter 6: Mood Disorders 228-end
Chapter 8: Eating Disorders 298-324
Chapter 8: Sleep Disorders 325-end
10/24, 10/26, 10/28 no class
10/31, 11/2, 11/4
11/7, 11/9, 11/11 
Exam 2: Monday 11/7
11/14, 11/16, 11/18 
Chapter 10: Substance and ImpulseControl Disorders
Chapter 11: Personality Disorders
Chapter12: Psychotic Disorders
11/21, 11/23, 11/25 no class
Chapter 13: Developmental Disorders
11/28, 11/30, 12/2
Project Due: Monday 11/28
12/5, 12/7
Monday 12/5 Last Day to Hand
In Extra Credit
Final Exam
Chapter 9: Sexual Disorders
Chapter 14: Legal and Ethical Issues
= research article due
Extra Credit Opportunities: You can earn up to 10 points to be added
to your overall total points (number you divide by 550 to find your
grade).
Each of the following is worth 5 points (you may repeat projects with
different disorders):
1. Internet Scavenger Hunt
Pick an illness discussed in class and find:
a. A website that describes the disorder’s symptoms in technical terms
(for mental health providers)
b. A website you would refer a patient to for a description of the
disorder
c. A website you would not refer anybody to
-describe the problems with the website (e.g., inaccurate information,
demeaning)
2. Mental Illness in the News
Find a recent news article (online news resources are acceptable) and
summarize and evaluate the information contained in the article (e.g.,
Who, what, when, where, why, how as well as is the information
consistent with what you have learned about the mental illness)
Students with Special Needs: If you are a student with a learning
disability or any other specific need, please notify me early in the
semester so I can work with you to enhance your learning potential in
this class. The University’s ADA office, which coordinates
accommodations and offers support for students with disabilities can be
contacted at 831-8670. Additionally, students can make an appointment
at the Writing Center (831-1168) for assistance with writing
assignments.
Academic Honesty: You are expected to be familiar with the
University's Policy on Academic Honesty which can be found in the
Student Guide to University Policies. Academic honesty is vital in a
university setting and failure to uphold these principles not only hurts
the individual, but the educational setting as a whole. Some examples of
academic dishonesty include plagiarism, which is using the words or
ideas of others without giving credit to the person(s) who is responsible
for the material, cheating on tests or permitting other students to cheat
from your exam, or using the same work in multiple classes. The official
UD reporting policy requires that all alleged incidents of academic
dishonesty be handled through the Office of Judicial Affairs.
Questions and Extra Help: If any information presented in the text or
lectures is unclear, please ask questions! If you cannot get your
questions answered in class, please attend office hours of either me or
your TA. You can also call or send email for any questions you might
have. Your TA will hold a review session prior to each exam to help you
prepare. The time and location of these sessions will be announced in
class . If you are struggling in the class, please do not wait until the end
of the semester to seek help. The sooner a problem is identified, the
sooner we can address it so that you get the maximum benefit from this
course!
Articles for Review: All can be found online and on reserve in library
1. Rosenhan, D.L. (1973). On being sane in insane places. Science, New Series, 197
(4070), 250-258.
2. Garcia-Palacios, A., Hoffman, H., Carlin, A., Furness III, T., & Botella, C. (2002).
Virtual reality in the treatment of spider phobia: a controlled study.
Behaviour Research and Therapy, 40, 983-993.
3. Cooper, P., Murray, L., Wilson, A., & Romaniuk, H. (2003). Controlled trial of
the short and long-term effect of psychological treatment of post-partum
depression. British Journal of Psychiatry, 182, 412-419.
4. Linehan, M., Armstrong, H., Suarez, A., Allmon, D., & Heard, H. (1991).
Cognitive-behavioral treatment of chronically parasuicidal borderline
patients. Archives of General Psychiatry, 48, 1060-1064.
5. Cutting, L.& Docherty, N. (2000). Schizophrenia outpatients’ perceptions of their
patients: Is expressed emotion a factor? Journal of Abnormal Psychology,
109, 266-272.