Elements of psychopathological semeiotics and the clinical manifestations of mental disorders according to the categorization of present diagnostic systems. The developmental psychopathology and its clinical manifestations during full life cycle.
Course Content - Last names L-Z
Elements of descriptive psychopathology and semeiotics.
Obligatory and fundamental texts:
- Syms, A. (2009). Introduzione alla psicopatologia descrittiva. Milano: Cortina.
- Celi, F. (2010). Psicopatologia dello sviluppo (II ed.). Milano: McGraw-Hill.
In addition to the obligatory text, ONE volume freely chosen among the following ones:
- Dèttore, D. (2003). Il disturbo ossessivo-compulsivo. Milano, McGraw-Hill.
- Dèttore, D. (2008). I disturbi dell’immagine corporea. Milano, McGraw-Hill.
Compulsory books
Descriptive Psychopathology. The signs and symptoms of behavioral disorders. Taylor MA & Vaidya NA. Cambridge University Press. ISBN-13 978-0-521-71391-7
Sims, A., & Oyebode, F. (2009). Introduzione alla psicopatologia descrittiva. Milano: Cortina.
Suggested books:
Othmer E, Othmer C (2004). L'intervista clinica con il DSM-IV-TR. Raffaello Cortina.
The programme includes the material given during the lessons, the content of the lessons, what is discussed in small groups. The slides are available at Unifi e-learning.
Learning Objectives - Last names A-K
Knowledge and understanding
To possess the fundamental knowledge about psychological disorders and about psychopathological semeiotics in relation to the diagnostic process and the main present diagnostic systems. To know the main clinical syndromes related to psychological changes in individual life cycle and their most important risk factors and consequent implications in relation to typical and atypical development.
Applying knowledge and understanding
The course will aim to the development of the following competencies and knowledge also through clinical examples:
- to possess competencies in the use of scientific terms with regards to the field of abnormal psychology;
- to identify the clinical manifestations of mental disorders according to the categorization of current diagnostic systems;
- to identify the multiple causes of psychopathology, that is behavioral, cognitive, interpersonal, psychodynamic, sociocultural, genetic and biological/neuroscientific dimensions of psychopathology;
- to identify the importance of an effective recognition of skills and character strengths in the context of psychopathology.
Making judgements
Emphasis will be given on:
- the complexity of normal and abnormal psychological functioning;
- the issues of the validity and reliability of the diagnosis in psychopathology in comparison with the diagnosis in the medical field, also taking into account the instruments that can be used;
- the existence of different treatments and, as a consequence, the need of evaluate in each single case the best scientific evidence about the efficacy of these treatments.
Communication skills
Upon completion of this course students should be able to:
- understand and use the main nosological systems (DSM, ICD) for the classification and
diagnosis of psychological disorders that enhance communication among professionals;
- write a psycho-diagnostic report using shared scientific terms.
Learning skills
The course must make the students able to integrate the newly acquired knowledge with those already in their possession and with those produced by other courses, with the aim of creating useful links and connections.
Learning Objectives - Last names L-Z
a) General aim: knowing descriptive psychopathology and its semeiotics.
b) Specific aim: learning the specific technical language; distinguishing the normal from the pathological features; recognizing the clinical manifestations of mental disorders.
Prerequisites - Last names A-K
- Base knowledge of general psychology relative to main mental functions and of technical corresponding terminology.
Prerequisites - Last names L-Z
None
Teaching Methods - Last names A-K
Knowledge and understanding
Lectures.
Applying knowledge and understanding
During the course, exercises and exemplifications will be offered about real or simulated clinical cases, so as to show how to implement the acquired theoretical knowledge.
Making judgements
During the course, a critical approach will be used in relation to analysed theories and concepts, so as to accustom students to an attitude of constant and rational discussion of concepts and theories that has been proposed in the clinical and scientific filed.
Communication skills
During the course, a language will be used able to communicate the main technical terms of the discipline, but also aimed to give examples of useful communication skills that have to be differentiated in relation to colleagues and patients.
Learning skills
Lectures.
Teaching Methods - Last names L-Z
explanatory-participate method and workshops
Further information - Last names A-K
During the course some simulations will be held relative to clinical interview and assessment.
Type of Assessment - Last names A-K
Knowledge and understanding
Oral examination
Applying knowledge and understanding
During the course, exercises will be held on real and simulated clinical cases, so that students will have the opportunities of showing their progressive learning.
Making judgements
During the examination, critical judgements will be requested about the concept exposed in the studied texts. Critical discussion of clinical cases during the examination.
Communication skills
During examination, the technical correctness of used language and also the conceptual clearness in the description of concept and theories will be evaluated.
Learning skills
During examination, the evaluation will take in account the ability to draw connections and links between concepts and theories not only within the specific course, but also between the course and concepts and theories pertinent to other preceding courses attended by students.
Type of Assessment - Last names L-Z
oral examination
Course program - Last names A-K
The clinical method. General psychopathology: senso-perception disorders, thinking disorders, consciousness and self-consciousness disorders, affective disorders, cognitive disorders.
Mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, somatoform disorders and somatic experience disorders, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, psycho-organic syndromes. Main diagnostic systems and their use in clinical psychology. Developmental psychopathology: risk and protective factors in development. Crisis process. Stressful events and psychopathology. Traumatic experiences and their implications to development.
Course program - Last names L-Z
Decsriptive psychopatology and its semeiotics of: intelligence, consciousness, memory, attention, concentration, orientation and sleep, objective and subjective time, perception, thought, language, mood, anxiety, panic, phobias, obsessions and compulsions, impulses, movement.
IN BRIEF, THE PROGRAMME CORRESPONDS TO THE TOPICS EXPOSED DURING THE LESSONS