This subject provides an introduction to the core skills required to assess and treat patients with mental health problems. It begins with an introduction to the process of a psychiatric interview and focuses on the importance of communication skills. It then provides a comprehensive overview of how to conduct a full psychiatric evaluation including history taking, mental state examination and a risk assessment. On completion of this, the focus will be on psychiatric formulation and devising a safe and effective management plan for the patient incorporating relevant ethical and legal principles.

This subject provides a comprehensive overview of common adult psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and personality disorders. It provides a basic understanding of the neurobiological and psychological aspects that underpin these disorders. The theme then extends to how students can apply this learning in the treatment of their patients.

This subject will delve into principles of psychopharmacology and an introduction to evidence based medicine (EBM).

Prescribing medications is one of the core skills of doctors worldwide. This subject provides a comprehensive overview of the psychotropic medications used by doctors to treat mental health problems. It provides an understanding of the classification of these compounds, mechanism of action, efficacy, side effects and important drug interactions. This subject will also provide a basic understanding of critical appraisal skills which students will be able to use to assess the quality of scientific literature and make objective scientific judgements on the applicability and usefulness to their local population. It will also provide an understanding of good clinical practice guidelines to provide improved care.

This topic covers the diversity of mental health presentations that occur worldwide as well as the common themes that threads across these presentations. It will discuss in some depth the challenges of providing care in various resource constrained settings as well as care in high income country rural settings. It will also provide access to ensure there is adequate understanding of the competency of the doctors and how they can access appropriate senior supervision and peer support when required.