03084 - Clinical Psychology

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide the student with, on the one hand, the fundamental knowledge for identifying the psychological difficulties present in the patient and for effective orientation towards the most appropriate forms of specialist intervention to deal with it, and on the other the basic skills that enable him to able to manage them personally in the relationship with the patient, when this is sufficient or, in any case, necessary. At the end of the course the student knows the characterizing aspects of the main theoretical reference models for the psychological understanding of the different psychopathological pictures, for psychodiagnostic evaluation and for psychological intervention. He is able to understand the psychological factors relevant to the development of the various manifestations of mental distress in childhood and adulthood (childhood trauma, psychic conflict, defense mechanisms, stress); the main emotional implications linked to the disease, treatment and hospitalization (defensive reactions, compliance, placebo effect, burnout). He is able to apply the principles of psychological intervention in healthcare practice, with particular attention to the conduct of the clinical interview and the relational dynamics as a means of understanding and changing the patient.

Course contents

The theoretical models of clinical psychology and the main models of the mind.

The problem of diagnosis in clinical psychology: the DSM V and the Kernberg model.

The contribution of psychodynamics to understanding the relationship between doctor and patient. Psychoanalysis and the problem of hysteria, conflict and the symptom of conversion. Ego psychology: psychological defenses and adaptation. Psychological defenses and the healthcare context: defenses implemented by the patient and the healthcare professional. Object relations theory: implications for the healthcare provider/patient relationship, trauma and psychological disorder. Self psychology and the problem of narcissism. Attachment theory: attachment style and mentalization, implications for the healthcare/assisted relationship. Stress related to organic pathology, hospitalization and mentalization. "Alien-self" theory and trauma.

Stress and burnout in healthcare professions.
Notes on the main psychotherapy paradigms: psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, systemic therapy, group therapy and Balint group.

Readings/Bibliography

The following will be provided in lessons: teaching material also available via username and password at the Virtual University of Bologna, references to recommended texts.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 8 frontal lessons of 2 hours each for a total of 16 hours. The contents of the program will be presented with clinical case examples.

Assessment methods

The test is aimed at evaluating the learning of the main models of the mind to understand, manage and improve the relationship between doctor and patient. The verification, through a written exam consosts in 15 questions with multiple choises.

Teaching tools

Slides, videos, interactions with students will be used.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Agostini