Eating, Sleep, Trauma, and Somatic Symptom Disorders
American Psychological Association via Coursera Specialization
Overview
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This specialization explores the psychological and physiological aspects of complex mental health conditions, focusing on trauma-related, somatic symptom, eating, and sleep disorders. You will analyze how trauma shapes conditions like PTSD and dissociation, and how somatic symptom disorders disrupt the seamless connection between the mind and body. The courses also cover the impact of eating disorders and sleep conditions, such as bulimia, anorexia, insomnia and narcolepsy, on overall health. Throughout the program, you will gain a foundational, research-based understanding of how these challenges manifest and the scientifically supported treatment frameworks used to address them.
Syllabus
- Course 1: Disorders Related To Trauma
- Course 2: Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders
- Course 3: Eating-Related Disorders and Disorders of Sleep
Courses
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Trauma is a near-universal human experience that affects 90% of people at some point in their lives. This course offers a powerful research-based foundation in the psychology of trauma, designed for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the topic, whether for professional growth or personal insight. In the first three modules, you'll explore what trauma is, the different forms it can take, and how it impacts the mind and body. The next two modules dive into trauma-related psychological disorders, including PTSD, acute stress disorder, and dissociative disorders. Throughout, we will use case studies to illustrate the nature of these disorders. You’ll also learn about the factors that foster resilience and how mental health care professionals support recovery. Whether you're curious about the psychological impact of trauma or looking to build a foundational understanding for personal or professional interest, this course offers accessible, research-informed insights that can deepen your knowledge about trauma and prepare you for further exploration of the topic.
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Dive into the complex intersection of mental health and daily habits through an in-depth exploration of conditions affecting millions: eating disorders and disorders of sleep. This course provides a comprehensive look at how clinicians diagnose and treat conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Beyond nutrition, the curriculum examines the vital functions of sleep, the specific stages of the sleep cycle, the scientific methods used to measure rest, and how clinicians diagnose and treat sleep disorders. A key focus involves understanding which groups of people are most commonly diagnosed, looking at how the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors contribute to these conditions. Whether you are a student or supporting a loved one, you will learn the causes and consequences of these disorders and gain the insight needed to recognize when to seek professional help.
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Discover the fascinating connection between the human mind and body in Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders, offered by the American Psychological Association. This foundational course is designed for curious learners who want to understand how psychological distress can manifest as real, physical symptoms. By completing this course, you will gain a compassionate, well-rounded perspective on these frequently misunderstood conditions to improve your overall mental health awareness. This course will empower you to recognize the impact of somatic disorders, navigate conversations with empathy, and advocate for better psychological well-being in your community. You will first learn to explain how psychological disorders are diagnosed and discuss the unique challenges that arise during the diagnostic process. From there, you will learn the diagnostic criteria that define somatic symptom and related disorders. You will also explore the prevalence, demographics, risk factors, and correlates that help explain how these disorders develop, before concluding with a comprehensive look at how to describe the standard, evidence-based treatments used by medical professionals to manage somatic conditions.
Taught by
Kyle Smith and Mike Stadler, PhD