PSYS6003

Course and outcome of psychotic disorders (6 credit)

In this module, we will consider the longitudinal course of disease in the lifespan of patients with psychotic disorders. Participants will be introduced to the distinctive stages of the disorder, including the premorbid phase, early and late prodromal phase, first-episode psychosis, remission, relapse, residual and refractory states. Conceptual backgrounds and modern definitions of each of the disease stages, as well as the nature of key outcome dimensions (e.g., functioning, quality of life) will be considered. Data from classic long-term follow-up studies will be considered to illustrate the evolution of symptoms in psychotic disorders. Participants will also be introduced to the use of the longitudinal life-course approach in individual case analysis and formulation – an important skill for identifying potential course and risk factors for adverse outcome in patients, which will be further developed in elective modules.

Course coordinator: Dr WC Chang