Abnormal Psychology is concerned with understanding the nature, etiology and treatment of unusual patterns of behaviour, emotion and thought which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder. This course provides the student with explanations of the scientific basis of contemporary theories and research in the field from the biological, psychodynamic, behavioural, humanistic and cognitive perspectives. The student will look at an integrative multi-dimensional perspective. The course will examine how society defines abnormality using the 4 D’s: Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction and Danger. The theoretical approach one takes to abnormality may influence one’s interpretation of the cause of the disorder and eventually its treatment. The course will provide a link between personality, abnormal behaviour and therapy. Some of the major topics covered include the historical perspective of psychopathology, DSM 1V Classification of Mental Disorders; suicide, stress, depression, anxiety, substance related disorders, sexual variants, abuse and dysfunctions, schizophrenia and disorders of childhood, adolescence and adulthood. The course explores cultural, social and gender issues and looks at life-span developmental influences. It also encourages empathy for people suffering from mental illness.