Online Courses Handbook 2003

10644 (v.3) Psychology 625 - Clinical Neuropsychology and Addictions

Area:	School of Psychology
Contact Hours:	3.0
Credits:	25.0
Lecture:	1 x 3 Hours Weekly
Prerequisite(s):	6488 (v.4) Psychology 611 or any previous version
Upon successful completion of this unit students will have - Gained understanding of addiction behaviour and how to respond to it from a psychological perspective. Demonstrated knowledge in etiology, assessment, case conceptualization and a range of responses to people with addiction problems and other psychological difficulties. Developed generalist skills and knowledge related to the understanding, assessment, and intervention of brain related disorders. Completed reviews of neuroanatomy, neurological disorders, neuropsychological assessment, and various methods of intervention including rehabilitation cognitive retraining, and counselling. Gained an understanding of the biochemical processes underlying current medications used to assist in the management and treatment of psychological disorders including an overview of major medication groups, their actions and potential side effects.
Edwards, G., and Dare, C. (1996). Psychotherapy, Psychological Treatments and the Addictions. Cambridge University Press, Great Britain. Miller, W. and Rollnick, S. (1991). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change Addictive Behaviour. Guilford Press, New York. Prochaska, J., Norcross, J., and DiClemente, C. (1994). Changing For Good. William Morrow and Company, New York. Ward, J., Mattick, R. and Hall, W. (1992) Key Issues in Methadone Maintenance Treatment. New South Wales University Press, Sydney. Wilkinson, C. and Saunders, B. eds.(1996). Perspectives on Addiction: Making Sense of the Issues. William Montgomery Proprietry Limited, Perth. Groth-Marnat, G. ed. (2000). Neuropsychological Assessment in Clinical Practice: A Guide toTest Interpretation and Integration. John Wiley and Sons, New York. In addition, it is highly recommended that students obtain a current anatomy and physiology reference book, such as: Tortora, G., and Grabowski, S. (2000). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 9th ed. John Wiley and Sons, New York. Julien, R. (2001). A Primer of Drug Action, rev.ed. W. H. Freeman, New York. Preston, J., and Johnson, J. (2002). Clinical Psychopharmacology Made Ridiculously Simple, 4th ed. Medmaster, Miami.
The texts for the unit are a guide written for counsellors working with people with drug problems and a literature review of evidence based practice in alcohol and other drug treatment. You can find the them both at the following website: http://www.wa.gov.au/drugwestaus/html/contents/publications/publications.html under the heading: 'Indicators of best practice' - publications. Groth-Marnat, G.ed. (2000). Neuropsychological Assessment in Clinical Practice: A Guide to Test Interpretation and Integration. John Wiley and Sons, New York.
Oral Examination 40%, Practical Assignment 40%, Short Answer Test 20%. This is by grade/mark assessment.
Three content areas include - Addictions, Clinical Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology. Addictions focusses on clinical interventions for problem drug users. Clinical neuropsychology introduces concepts and methods of neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation psychopharmacology reviews the effects and mechanisms of action of the pharmacological treatments for psychological disorders.

Click here for a printable version of this page