Mental Health Across the Lifespan

This course presents theoretical perspectives on common mental health problemson a continuum from psychological distress to psychiatric disorder, including substance use disorders, experienced by adolescents, adults and older adults. Social, biological and psychological, genetic and environmental factors influencing individuals, families and groups that contribute to risk for illness will be examined in special needs, underserved and vulnerable populations. The influence of cultural beliefs and provider and consumer attitudes will be analyzed as shaping factors in the assessment, diagnosis, nursing and medical management of psychiatric disorders. Pharmacologic, interpersonal, neuro-modulation and alternative treatment will be analyzed for best practices in individual and population-focused care. The course highlights the roles of the direct provider delivering advanced practice level, comprehensive, inter-professional care to patients with complex primary and co-occurring disorders in a range of settings.