Psychopathology

Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology MSc.

This is a highly selective 2-year ACPM international Masters program, with the first year based at American College of Psychosomatic Medicine and the second year based at American University. Typically 10 students are accepted each year. This unique programme equips students with an understanding of developmental neuroscience research alongside multiple perspectives on developmental disorders ( such as autism, anxiety and conduct disorder) with a focus on cognitive and psychoanalytic perspectives. A substantial empirical research project completed by each student in the second year at AU. offers an opportunity to bring together diverse models and theories of development and acquire advanced research skills.

The Master Degree in Psychopathology provides you with the theoretical background and clinical insight necessary for future research in the various fields of mental health, in particular experimental psychopathology, psychosomatic medicine and psychiatry. A strong focus on research questions that can inform prevention and intervention strategies differentiates this master’s programme  from many others, making it an ideal choise for those who intend in the future to combine science and clinical practice. You work with a multidisciplinary team of internationally esteemed researches, such as Psychiatrists, psychologists, epidemiologists, and neuroscientists.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

A total of nine interactive core seminars, each extending over 4 weeks, cover current theories and methods that can clarify genetic, environmental, psychological and neurobiological processes underlying the onset, course, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders throughout the life cycle. In addition to specific disorders, attention is paid to broader issues and controversies, such as gender ans cultural differences, validity of classification systems for psychopathology, advantages and disadvantages of experimental and animal models, gene-environment interactions and the nature of resilience. Through extensive practice in writing research proposals, you will learn to formulate testable hypotheses and translate these into research designs. Workshops will expose you to a wide variety of research methods, ranging from neuroimaging to epidemiology. Although research remains the primary focus, this master includes training in diagnostic and other clinical skills, as well as clinical and research experience in a health care setting. The master in psychopathology is the right choice if you are intrigued by the complexities of the wide range of mental disorders and are eager to develop the theoretical knowledge and search skills needed to understand, treat and prevent them. Students with undergraduate degrees in health sciences or psychiatry, and sufficient statistical background are well suited, provide they are open to exploring interdisciplinary approach into empirical research questions.

CAREER FOCUS

This master degree provides you with optimal preparation for PhD studies in Psychosomatic medicine, psychology or psychiatry and careers in academic and other research institutions. Graduates are also well equipped to enter clinical training programmes, which they often combine with further research.

CURRICULAR STRUCTURE

FIRST SEMESTER

01. Introduction to the History of Psychopathology (2 credits)

02. Psychiatric symptomatology and psychopathology (3 credits)

03. Psychoanalytic Child Psychopathology (3 credits)

04. Introduction to Psychopharmacology (3 credits)

SECOND SEMESTER

05. Psychopathology and Psychoanalytic Technique I- the concept of the unconscious, cornerstone of psychoanalytic theory (3 credits)

06. Introduction to Psychopathology  Pre and Peri-Natal (3 credits)

07. Ethics in Mental Health (3 credits)

08. Psychoanalysis and Public Health ( 2 credits)

09. The Fundamental Psychopathology on the Eating Disorders (3 credits)

10. Clinical Network I – Practice and Clinical Impasses of Thought in public Mental Health Network (2 credits)

11. Experiences and Reflections on Mental Health Services (3 credits)

THIRD SEMESTER

12. Mental Health policies: A Historical -Critical Approach (2credits)

13. Psychopathology and Psychoanalytic Technique II- sexuality and instinct as pillars of psychoanalytic theory (2 credits)

14.  Psychopathology Phenomenon – structural (3 credits)

15. Clinical Network II – Practical and Clinical Impasses of Thought in Public Mental Health Network ( 2 credits)

16. Genetics in Psychiatry ( 4 credits)

FOURTH SEMESTER

17. Current proposals for the treatment of Psychosis ( 3 credits)

18. Science and of the Singular Universal Psychopathology in Autism and Childhood Psychosis ( 3 credits)

19. Drugs, AIDS and Clinical Psychiatry (3 credits)

20. Language and Psychopathology ( 3 credits)

21. Psychosomatic Medicine ( 4 credits)

22. Melancholia and Depression ( 3 credits)

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Each semester (Friday to Sunday) with concerning the Public Health Psychopathology and multidisciplinary themes in its relation to contemporary issues of culture related to Psychoanalysis, Psychopharmacology, Psychiatry, the Solidarity Economy, the Democratic Education Colloquia, the restorative Justice, and other academic and social moviments who recognize themselves as democratic inventions related to the social dimension of health.

Individual Scheduled, Research, Development and Monograph activities ( 4 credits)