Course description
DSM-5-TR
Course Description:
This course provides an overview of the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision), a key tool used by mental health professionals to categorize and diagnose mental health conditions. While Christian counselors are not responsible for diagnosing mental health disorders, understanding the DSM-5-TR can be an invaluable resource in identifying potential psychological challenges that clients may be facing.
The course emphasizes how Christian counselors can use this knowledge to better understand the mental health concerns of their clients, enabling them to offer compassionate support, emotional care, and spiritual guidance. It also highlights the importance of making informed referrals to licensed professionals when needed, while integrating a faith-based perspective in counseling practice. Through this course, Christian counselors will gain the tools to recognize mental health issues, foster a holistic approach to care, and enhance their effectiveness in supporting clients in a way that aligns with both their professional and spiritual values.
DSM-5-TR
Key Topics Include:
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Demonic Influence or Possession
Students will learn how Demonic Influence and Oppression Disorder (DIO) intersects with mental health, helping them recognize symptoms that may overlap with psychological conditions. They will gain skills in discerning whether struggles are spiritually or psychologically rooted and understand how to integrate both medical and spiritual care in treatment.
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Anxiety Disorders: Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia), Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder
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Personality Disorders: Avoidant, Dependent, Schizotypal, Schizoid, Narcissistic, Borderline, Antisocial
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Mood and Emotional Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
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Trauma-Related Disorders: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Adjustment Disorder, Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder
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Psychotic Disorders: Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Brief Psychotic Disorder, Delusions, and Hallucinations
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Obsessive and Compulsive Disorders: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder
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Behavioral Disorders: Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Eating Disorders: Overview of conditions such as anorexia and bulimia
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, participants will:
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Gain familiarity with common mental health disorders and their symptoms to enhance counseling efficacy.
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Understand the differences between psychological disorders and spiritual issues such as demonic influence or possession.
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Develop a biblically grounded approach to addressing mental health concerns within counseling sessions.
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Use this knowledge to collaborate effectively with mental health professionals while providing faith-based care.