Active learning ideas
This topic explores disorders where the mind and body interact in complex ways. Somatic Symptom Disorders involve physical symptoms (like pain or fatigue) that cause great distress but have no clear medical cause. Dissociative Disorders involve a 'disconnection' from one's memory or identity, often as a way to cope with extreme trauma. Finally, the topic covers Depressive Disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, which affect millions of people worldwide.
Activity 01
Stations for Depression, Bipolar, and Somatic Symptom Disorder. At each, students read a short 'patient diary' and identify the key symptoms using the DSM criteria.
How do somatic symptom disorders differ from actual medical conditions?
Activity 02
Students discuss the 'highway hypnosis' experience (driving and not remembering the last 5 km). They then discuss how this 'normal' dissociation differs from 'Dissociative Amnesia'.
What causes dissociative amnesia and dissociative identity disorder?
Activity 03
Groups identify common things people say to depressed individuals (e.g., 'Just be happy'). They explain why these are unhelpful and what a supportive response would look like.
What are the primary symptoms of major depressive disorder?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Depression is just 'being sad'.
Depression is a clinical disorder involving loss of interest, sleep changes, and feelings of worthlessness for at least two weeks. A 'Symptom Checklist' activity helps students see the difference between 'the blues' and clinical depression.
Bipolar disorder means 'changing your mind' quickly.
Bipolar involves distinct periods of Mania (high energy) and Depression (low energy) that last for days or weeks. Drawing a 'Mood Timeline' helps students visualise these long-term cycles.
Methods used in this brief
Concepts of Abnormality and Psychological Disorders
An examination of the historical background and current perspectives on abnormal behaviour. Students will learn about the diathesis-stress model and the classification systems like DSM and ICD.
8 methodologies
Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Trauma-Related Disorders
A detailed look at the symptoms and characteristics of various anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. Students will explore how these disorders manifest and disrupt daily functioning.
8 methodologies
Schizophrenia Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
An overview of severe psychological disorders including schizophrenia, focusing on positive and negative symptoms. The topic also introduces neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
8 methodologies