Social Anxiety

Describes the differences between the previous Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), and the current one (DSM-5) in terms of how autism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disorders are viewed and diagnosed. Identifies the physiological, familial, and psychological issues in the clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Identifies the issues of toxicity from heavy metal (mercury, lead) and other pathogenic factors in the development of autism spectrum disorder. Identifies medications used in management of various clinical resentations and comorbidities of autism spectrum disorder. Discusses appropriate nonpharmacological (general health, psychological, and behavioral) approaches to the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

Identifies the major components of cognitive behavioral therapy and the causative relationship between environmental events, thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Lists the common types of flawed and irrational beliefs that create depression, anxiety, and stress. Describes the “ABC” process of converting irrational thinking into rational thinking. Describes cognitive-behavioral treatment strategies for depression and anxiety. Defines “allostasis” and “allostatic load” aspects of stress and describe the “Stress Inoculation Training” approach to stress management.

Identifies the memory changes that take place in normal aging. Discusses how mild cognitive impairment (MCI) differs from memory loss in normal aging and from dementia. Describes the cognitive and personality changes that take place in Alzheimer’s disease. Identifies cognitive and personality changes that occur in a range of non-Alzheimer’s disease dementias.