Mental illnesses and disorders currently affect around 20% of Australians. But thankfully, our understanding of them has increased drastically over the past 150 years, and we now have more ways of helping people cope. This course is ideal for those working in mental health settings or in roles where there is contact with people at higher risk of mental health issues. Professions where this is likely, include teaching, social work, counselling, support work or carer roles.
The Certificate of Abnormal Psychology is a professional development program that will provide you with a broad knowledge of mental health issues from drug abuse and developmental issues to genetic and medical disorders.
In this abnormal psychology online course, you will study cognitive, substance-related, psychotic and mood disorders, and some of the disorders first diagnosed in infancy.
You will also learn about personality, eating and sleep disorders; anxiety, sexual and gender identity; and varying types of dissociative, adjustment and impulse-control disorders.
On completion of this course, you will be able to identify the signs and symptoms of a broad range of mental health disorders, gain insights into possible causes and treatment options, and interact with people in a positively beneficial manner.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Abnormal Psychology
Unit 1 – Disorders Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood or Adolescence
- What is abnormal behaviour
- Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM)
- Childhood disorders
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Conduct disorder
- Intellectual disability
- Stereotypic movement disorder
- Depression in childhood
- Types of therapy
Unit 2 – Delirium, Dementia, Amnestic and Cognitive Disorders
- Cognitive disorders
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Other cognitive disorders
- Spotting dementia and other conditions
- New research on memory
- Research methods of biopsychology
- Neuroanatomical techniques
Unit 3 – Substance Related Disorders
- Substance dependence and substance abuse
- Why do people use drugs?
- Substance dependence
- Substance intoxication
- Substance withdrawal
- Alcohol dependence and the DTS
- Summary of terminology
- Criteria for substance abuse and substance dependence
- Drug misuse
- Illegal drugs
- Health risks of specific drugs
- Abuse of prescription and over the counter medication
Unit 4 – Mood Disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Determining the type of depression
- Unipolar disorder (also known as recurrent major depression)
- Causes of depression
- Risk factors for major depression
- Men and depression
- Risk factors for bipolar disorder
- Types of treatment for depression
- Medication
Unit 5 – Anxiety Disorders
- Symptoms of anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Common symptoms of PTSD
- Treatment of PTSD
Unit 6 – Somatoform, Factitious and Dissociative Disorders
- Somatoform disorders
- Somatisation disorder
- Conversion disorder
- Hypochondriasis
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Factitious disorders
- Symptoms and causes of FDS
- Munchausen’s syndrome
- Dissociative disorders
- Dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder)
Unit 7 – Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders
- Male and female sexual disorder
- Female sexual dysfunction
- Signs and symptoms of female sexual dysfunction
- Male sexual dysfunction
- Paraphilias
- Paedophilia
- Gender identity disorder (also known as transsexualism)
Unit 8 – Eating and Sleep Disorders
- Eating disorders
- Binge and compulsive eating
- Obesity
- Sleep disorders
- Narcolepsy
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnoea
- Restless legs syndrome/periodic limb movement disorder
- Somnambulism/sleep walking
Unit 9 – Impulse-Control Disorders and Adjustment Disorder
- Adjustment disorders
- Risk factors for adjustment disorders
- Impulse control disorders
- Common impulse control disorders
- Intermittent explosive disorder
- Kleptomania
- Pyromania
- Pathological gambling
- Trichotillomania
- Compulsive skin picking
Unit 10 – Personality Disorders
- Types of personality disorder
- Features of personality disorders
- Psychopathy
- Incapacity for love
- Lack of empathy and emotion
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
A great way to learn new things. Highly recommend.
J. McMahon, North Albury NSW | Certificate in Abnormal Psychology
This course was a little differently set out than previous courses I’ve done with Australian online courses. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you
L, Spalviero, Pasco Vale VIC | Certificate of Abnormal Psychology
I loved this course so much, 10/10!!! I learnt so much and I actually enjoyed spending my time researching and learning stuff that I didn’t know about previously.
L.Kanellos, Glen Huntly, VIC | Certificate of Abnormal Psychology
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional development for individuals working or aspiring to work in the community and health sectors.
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