Department of Psychiatry | Courses and Training

The Time Organization of the Clinical Appointment
- Four weeks first clinical appointment
  Total time of clinical work 4 hrs/day x 6 days x 4 weeks = 96 hours

- Eight weeks Professorial appointment
  Minimum time of clinical work
  7 hrs/day x 6 days x 8 weeks = 336 hours

Overall aims specific to teaching psychiatry are;
1. To provide students with knowledge of psychopathology, the main psychiatric disorders, commonly used treatment methods and the
    basis on which to continue to develop this knowledge.
2. Assist students to develop the necessary skills to apply this knowledge in clinical situations
3. To encourage students to develop the appropriate attitudes necessary to respond empathically to psychological distress in all medical settings.

On completion of the undergraduate training, the successful student will be able to;
- describe the prevalence and clinical presentation of common psychiatric disorders in Sri Lanka and have basic knowledge of not so common
   but important other psychiatric disorders summarize the major categories of psychiatric disorders using ICD 10
- describe multifactorial aetiology and explain the biological, psychological and sociocultural factors which may predispose,
   precipitate and maintain psychiatric disorders
- describe the current common psychological and physical treatment methods used in psychiatric disorders including indications,
   methods of action and any unwanted effects
- describe assessment and management of psychiatric emergencies which may occur in psychiatric, general medical or other relevant settings
- describe what may constitute risk to self (suicide, self-harm, self-neglect, engaging in high risk behaviors) and to others
- describe vulnerability factors of patients to abuse and exploitation and methods of safeguarding their rights
- describe the salient features of the mental health legislation of Sri Lanka
- describe methods of combating stigma associated with mental illness
- describe ethical and professional conduct which is necessary for a therapeutic alliance

On completion of the course, a successful student will be able to;
- take a full psychiatric history, assess the mental state and write up the case which will include a description of the
   symptoms and their impact, aetiological factors, differential diagnosis, a plan of management and assessment of prognosis
- screen empathically for common mental health problems in non-psychiatric settings and recognize where medically
   unexplained physical symptoms may have a psychological origin
- assess the patient following an episode of self-harm and counsel them appropriately
- recognize the difference between mental and behavioural disorders, mental health problems and the range of normal
   responses to stressful circumstances and life events
- discuss with patient and relatives the nature of their disorder, management options and prognosis
- practise simple behaviour therapy and counseling

On completion of the course, a successful student will be able to;
- utilize empathic interviewing style -one that is suitable for eliciting information from distressed and disturbed patients and
   also from relatives when appropriate
- recognize the importance of development of a therapeutic relationship with patients including the need for their
   active involvement in decisions of their care
- recognize the importance of multidisciplinary team, respect colleagues
- demonstrate awareness on capacity, consent and confidentiality issues
- work with patients and their families, peers and other stakeholders with high ethical standards
- reflect on their own attitudes to patients with mental health problems and how these influence their approach to such patients.

   
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