PSYS6012

This course will start with a in-depth consideration of what constitute health and disease in mental health, and will clarify the distinction between psychotic symptoms and psychotic disorders. It will also consider the utility and costs of the current diagnostic systems. Two major diagnostic systems, the ICD and the DSM systems will be reviewed. Wider implications of the diagnostic systems in mediating research, legal, insurance, and pharmaceutical developments will be considered. The nature and impact of stigma and self-stigma will be explored, using examples from local data, the influence of culture and societal values are considered. The role and impact of the media will also be reviewed. Principles of ethics and the skills in practical application of ethical principles to specific clinical situations will be discussed. Particular issues such as confidentiality, compulsory treatment as well as mental capacity for decision making, will be considered. The course will also discuss use of mental health status as defense in criminal cases and the principles involved. The skills in using a structured instrument for capacity assessment will be included in the course.

​

Course coordinator: Prof Sherry KW Chan