Health Psychology for clinical and medical contexts

TIZIANA PASCUCCI

The aim of the course is to develop an advanced knowledge of the theories and methods of psychobiological research and the ability to independently research, critically evaluate, and effectively use the results of the research to address clinical or scientific problems. The course will offer an overview of the most recent results relating to the psychobiological substrate of the main typical and atypical behaviors.
Being an initial course, it will also orient and guide students to a study based on the collection of information directly from the scientific sources, stimulating the critical evaluation of information, and encouraging comparison and integration of acquired information (by thematic lectures, seminars by expert researchers, scientific original articles).

The aim of the course is to develop an advanced knowledge of the theories and methods of psychobiological research and the ability to independently research, critically evaluate, and effectively use the results of the research to address clinical or scientific problems. The course will offer an overview of the most recent results relating to the psychobiological substrate of the main typical and atypical behaviors.
Being an initial course, it will also orient and guide students to a study based on the collection of information directly from the scientific sources, stimulating the critical evaluation of information, and encouraging comparison and integration of acquired information (by thematic lectures, seminars by expert researchers, scientific original articles).

Knowledge of biology and genetics. Knowledge of the physiology and anatomy of the nervous system. Skills in english reading.

TOPICS.

INTRODUCTION
Presentation of the teacher and of the course.
Entry test
Review on:
• Evolution and development of the brain
• Brain plasticity, critical periods, learning
• Motivation, reward and reinforcement
Mental health: emerging global, European and national political challenges

METHODS AND TECHNIQUES
Preclinical research:
• The use of animal models in the psychopathology research.
• Methods used for the study of animal behaviors in preclinical models of human pathologies.
Gene-environment interaction: study models
Epigenetics


THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAIN AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR
The psychophysical development of the child: language, social interaction, cognition, emotions
Neurodevelopmental disorders:
• Autism: diagnosis, epidemiology, causes, psychobiology
• Intellectual disability and associated syndromes
Effects of stress on the developing brain
• Consequences of child maltreatment: case studies and preclinical models

ADOLESCENCE
Psychobiology of adolescence: the adolescent brain
Susceptibility to psychopathologies in adolescence:
• addiction
• food disorders
• gambling
• internet addiction


SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Knowledge and understanding.
At the end of the course, the student will have to possess advanced knowledge and understanding of the most recent results of psychobiological research on mental disorders, on the translational value, as well as the limits of animal models of psychopathology, and the implications of such knowledge for the profession of Psychologist.

Applying knowledge and understanding.
At the end of the course, the student must be able to use the knowledge acquired to critically evaluate the original scientific sources and obtain helpful information to address problems in psychobiological research on mental disorders and the profession of Psychologist.

Making judgements.
At the end of the course, the student must formulate autonomous and accurate judgments on theories, methods, and psychobiological research results, with particular reference to the translational value and the limits of animal models of psychopathology.

Communication skills.
At the end of the course, the student must communicate clearly and competently, in written and oral form, their reflections and conclusions on theories, results, methods, and techniques of psychobiological research to specialist and non-specialist interlocutors.

Learning skills.
At the end of the course, the student must be able to autonomously update his knowledge on specific research topics by integrating information from different sources (lectures, seminars, original scientific articles).

The material will be uploaded to the e-learning platform, together with the ppt of lessons and all supplementary material.
The most recent and relevant publications on the topics are selected.

The course is organized in lectures, visits to lab, seminars. Material is uploaded to the e-learning platform. Single or group activities are planned during the course.

Classroom lessons very encouraged.

Written exam (25 multiple-choice questions + 1 open-ended question) on the course program.
1 point will be calculated for each correct multiple answer, up to 5 points for the open answer.
To pass the exam the student must obtain not less than 18/30.
Time for exam: 60 minutes for the written exam.
The oral exam will be carried out to confirm the evaluation obtained in the written exam.