Critically compare and reflect upon two selected case studies from current practice to demonstrate a range of assessment approaches, diagnostic skills and care interventions to support a patient's journey through the primary care arena. (achieving all LO's)

Additional Assessment Details:
- Select two case studies demonstrating symptoms indicative of mental distress or mental disorders.
- Critically examine through application of contemporary research/ evidence the employed assessment skills and diagnosis.
- Critically examine application of prevention, interventions, risk and care management strategies.
- Reflect, compare and contrast your approach identifying alternative skills and understandings.

Formative Feedback:
Students will be provided with the opportunity for formative feedback informally throughout the modules, through email support and formal tutorials.

Self Development- exploring values and beliefs
Skills of building relationships and communication approaches
Symptoms indicative of distress, anxiety, phobias, unipolar and bipolar depression, early onset and old age dementia, substance misuse and psychosis
Early detection, recognition, intervention, prevention and care management
Diagnosis- Assessment, screening, identification of severity of mental illness/ distress
Categorisation models (ICD 10, DSMIV.V), Effective application
Strengths and limitations of diagnosis and categorisation
Recovery based approaches, identification and management of risk
Working with distressed patients, complex needs and medically unexplained symptoms
Shared care, carer's perspective and approach, care frameworks and support of the patient's journey
Wellbeing, self management of stress and self stigmatisation

Neuro-anatomy, endocrinology, immunology, HPA axis, limbic system, memory
Neurobiology of limbic hyper-arousal and agitation
Chronobiology of insomnia and hyper-somnolence
Bio-psychosocial approaches
Psychometric and outcome measurement

Government drivers- Nice guidelines
Evidence base

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (16 hours)
9 hours Workshop
3 hours Learning set
4 hours Feedback from activities and discussion

Guided Independent Study: (134 hours)
50 hours Reading and reflection
50 hours Writing assignment
34 hours Self analysis and examination of assessment and diagnostic skills

This module will be delivered off-site in a well equiped environment. However students will further require

Library resources
Personal Tutor links

Asen, E. Tomson, D. Young, V and Tomson, P. (2003) Ten minutes for the Family: Systematic Interventions in primary Care.Pub: PCCS Books. london
Dowrick, C (2004) Beyond Depression: A New Approach to Understanding and Management. London. Oxford Medical Publications.
Lynch, T (2004) Beyond Prozac: Healing Mental Distress. London.Pub: Routledge London.
Senge,PM, Jaworski, J, Otto-Schamer,C, Flowers, BS, (2005) Presence: Exploring profound change in people, organisations and society. London. Nicholas Brearley Publishing Ltd.

Practicing GPs

1. Develop and demonstrate an individual knowledge and systematic understanding of mental health and emotional distress for general practitioner consultation working in a primary care setting (Knowledge and Understanding, Reflection)

2. Recognise and differentiate between the presentation of mental illness and emotional distress symptoms to form an effective diagnosis within a general practitioner consultation assessment in primary care (Application, Communication, Learning)

3. Identify and implement the key principles of managing psychosis within primary care settings in line with key government initiatives (Analysis, Problem Solving)

4. Demonstrate a care management approach linking presenting symptoms with therapy and supportive interventions in line with government directives (Application, Knowledge and Understanding)