Psychopathology and Genesis of Mental Disorders

The lecture deals with different models of the development of mental disorders. Psychosocial influences, genetic and biological, pre-, peri- or postnatal influencing factors, and life events and the use of psychotropic substances are addressed. Special emphasis is placed on the wide range of possible causative factors and their interactions. Students learn to identify developing as well as maintaining conditions of mental disorders. For practice purposes, “paper cases” are used, on which students apply the acquired knowledge to clinical cases and thus deepen it.