CAS 465 - Youth & Emerging Adult Development in Co-Occurring Disorders

(3 units)

Explores the developmental origins and trajectories of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders from prenatal influences through emerging adulthood (age 25). Integrates developmental psychopathology frameworks with evidence-based clinical approaches, emphasizing adverse childhood experiences, attachment, brain development, and age-appropriate intervention strategies.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Spring

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. analyze how developmental processes from prenatal influences through emerging adulthood shape vulnerability and resilience to co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
2. apply adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) research and attachment theory to understand the developmental origins of co-occurring disorders and inform trauma-responsive clinical practice.
3. explain the neurobiological changes occurring during adolescent brain development and their implications for substance use vulnerability, risk-taking behavior, and treatment approaches.
4. evaluate the unique developmental characteristics of emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) and identify age-appropriate assessment and intervention strategies for this population.
5. integrate developmental psychopathology frameworks to trace how early life experiences influence trajectories of substance use and mental health outcomes across the lifespan.
6. demonstrate cultural humility and developmental sensitivity when considering how diverse backgrounds and contexts shape the presentation and treatment of co-occurring disorders across developmental stages.

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