Mental Health Competencies

Conditions and Diseases

Students will be expected to be able to describe the causes and risk factors, pathology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of the following conditions and diseases:

• generalized anxiety disorder W
• panic disorder
• obsessive-compusive disorder
• post-traumatic stress disorder W

• major depressive disorder W
• bipolar disorder W

• schizophrenia W

• suicide
• personality disorders
• substance abuse disorders
• eating disorders
• ADHD
• dementia W
• delirium W

Presentations

Students will be able to describe common and important causes of the following presentations, and the initial clinical assessment, diagnostic investigations, and management of:

• low mood
• anxiety
• psychosis
• memory loss

History and Physical Exam

Students will be expected to describe the purpose of, and demonstrate, the following aspects of clinical assessment: psychiatric history mental status exam W cognitive assessment (MMSE, MOCA, etc) crisis assessment competency W mental health diagnosis and formulation admission case presentation discharge summary

Learners will be able to describe and work alongside the following: community services social workers occupational therapists crisis nurses referrals, shared care involuntary admission

Investigations

Students will be able to describe the methodology, indications, contraindications, and limitations of the following investigations:

• psychiatric lab workup
• CT/MRI head

Treatments

Students will be able to describe the rationale, methodology, indications, contraindications, and limitations of the following treatments:

• treatment plans

• antidepressants W
• anxiolytics/sedatives
• rapid tranquilization
• antipsychotics W
• mood stabilizers
• cognitive enhancers

• intro to psychotherapy
• motivational interviewing
• cognitive behavioural therapy

• electroconvulsive therapy

 

Biology

Students will be able to describe the structure and function related to:

brain

neurotransmitters

• serotonin
• norepinephrine
• dopamine
• acetylcholine