Reducing Stigma and Increasing Competence: An Introductory Graduate Curriculum on the Assessment and Treatment of Psychosis
Date of Award
2023
Document Type
Doctoral Research Paper
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Kim Gorgens
Second Advisor
Laura Meyer
Third Advisor
Nathanael Taylor
Keywords
Psychosis, Stigma, Graduate, Curriculum
Abstract
Psychosis is conceptually understood as a collection of psychiatric symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, that often distort a person s reality (Freudenreich, 2020). While psychosis is a key feature of the various psychotic spectrum disorders, it can also appear as a feature of mood disorders or as a result of substance use. However, despite its prevalence across a variety of psychiatric disorders, it is seldom a focus of training within graduate psychology programs (Mueser et al., 2013; O'Connor & Yanos, 2021; Reddy et al., 2010; Roe et al., 2006). Research suggests the lack of education on psychosis directly contributes to the stigma of psychotic disorders and the current underrepresentation of psychologists in treatment settings serving persons with psychosis, which together may limit access to psychological treatment (O'Connor & Yanos, 2021). In an attempt to address the training needs of psychologists delivering care to persons with psychosis, this paper first highlights the need for graduate-level training in the assessment and treatment of psychosis followed by a brief review of the important aspects of an evidence-based addition to a graduate curriculum. A three-part curricular addition on the assessment and treatment of psychosis is then proposed to meet this need. By illuminating the need for psychosis-specific training and proposing a realistic introductory curriculum, this paper intends to ultimately increase provider competence and reduce the stigma associated with psychosis through proper education.
Copyright Date
11-20-2023
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
All Rights Reserved.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Rights Holder
Brooke Davis
Provenance
Received from author
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
32 pgs
File Size
375 KB
Recommended Citation
Davis, Brooke, "Reducing Stigma and Increasing Competence: An Introductory Graduate Curriculum on the Assessment and Treatment of Psychosis" (2023). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 507.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/507