Problem-based learning of psychopathology in a traditional curriculum using multiple conceptual models

A course in basic psychopathology is described in which problem-based learning is implemented in small groups in a traditional medical school curriculum. Simulated patients are utilized to provide the problem data and to allow for practice in medical interviewing. The problem-based portion of the course focuses on the explanation of various psychiatric disorders using an integration of four conceptual models: the medical/biological; the behavioural/learning; the sociocultural; and the psychodynamic. Reception of the course, based on student evaluations as well as teachers' enthusiasm and participation, has been positive for the 6 years the course has existed in this format, lending support to the conclusion that problem-based methods can be successfully integrated into a traditional lecture-based curriculum.