Handbook

This subject will provide a critical introduction to the field of mental health and mental disorders and the various mental health services and programs. It will examine biological, psychological and sociological frameworks relevant to mental health and mental disorders from an evidence based perspective. It will also provide an orientation to prevention, promotion, classification (diagnosis, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation) of mental disorders. Various factors that impact upon mental disorder such as socio-economic status, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and age are discussed as well as the relationship of people with mental disorders to their families, caregivers and others in supportive and regulatory roles. HCS310 introduces gender and cultural diversity including indigenous mental health in the subject via diverse case studies. Consumer and carer perspectives are also embedded into the learning within HCS310.

• Mental health services in the Australian context.
• Assessment in the mental health context
• Legal and Ethical context of mental health
• Culture and mental health
• Stress, distress and self care
• Challenging behaviours
• Common mental health conditions
• Suicide and self harm
• Serious mental illness
• Co morbidity of mental illness with substance abuse disorder
• Older persons with mental illnesses
• Approaches to mental health care service delivery