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NEUROSCIENCE OF MENTAL DISORDERS Single discipline educational activity
Course Sheet Academic Year of enrolment:
Disciplinary Sector:
Psychobiology and Physiological Psychology
Professor and Collaborators:
Hours of classroom activity:
Prerequisites:
Basic knowledge of the anatomy of the nervous system and of the synaptic transmission mechanisms, as well as knowledge of the methods applied in neuroscience is strongly recommended.
Objectives
Contents In this module I will provide an integrative overview of the field of mental disorders, emphasizing the neuroscientific aspects. I will first introduce the multiple causes of psychopathology as viewed from the perspective of different disciplines, such as genetics, neuroscience, behavioural and social sciences. Then, I will describe clinical characteristics, statistics, aetiology, diagnostic criteria and treatment of key mental disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, anorexia, bulimia, ADHD, autism). For each mental disorder, the most seminal and recent neuroscientific literature will be illustrated and critically discussed.
This module aims to:
provide significant understanding of the neuroscientific aspects of key mental disorders;
provide knowledge of the potential interplay between neuroscientific, psychological and environmental factors in explaining mental disorders;
provide examples of translational research and stimulate students to critically reflect on the clinical applications of neuroscientific methods.
Extended Syllabus - Mental Disorders in historical context;
- An integrative approach to mental disorders;
- Neuroscience and its contribution to mental disorders;
- Clinical assessment, diagnosis, therapeutic approaches;
- Mental disorders and self-regulation;
- Neuroscience of anxiety disorders;
- Neuroscience of trauma- and stressor-related disorders;
- Neuroscience of obsessive-compulsive disorders;
- Neuroscience of mood disorders and suicide.
- Neuroscience of dissociative disorders
- Neuroscience of eating disorders
- Neuroscience of sexual dysfunctions
- Neuroscience of addiction and impulse-control disorders
- Neuroscience of Schizophrenia.
- Neuroscience of neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.
Recommended Bibliography David H. Barlow, V. Mark Durand Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach (7th Edition). Cengage Learning
It is strongly recommended to visit the e-learning page of the module regularly. The e-learning page will be used to upload lecture’s slides, scientific articles illustrated during lectures, additional readings and all the exam material.
All the teaching and exam material is in English.
Methods of Provision
Teaching Methods 64 hours including: i) 2/3-hour lectures, 2 or 3 times per week (48 hours in total) according to the academic calendar; ii) class-group works to foster critical thoughts, communication skills and reflective ability.
Evaluation methods Verification of learning:
The final test will consist in a written exam aimed at assessing the expected outcomes listed above. The evaluation will be expressed in thirtieths.
Contacts/More Information Attendance is highly recommended;
Office hours: wednesday 11-12 am (room 315, third floor, ITAB or via Teams/Skype)