Pathogenetic Bases of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
"Pathogenetic Bases of Psychiatric Disorders" aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the biological and clinical foundations of psychiatric disorders. It is designed to integrate knowledge of mental health with the broader curriculum of neuroscience and medical biotechnology, contributing to the development of professional profiles in clinical research, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation.
Upon completion of this course, students will:
1. Understand the modern conceptualization of mental disorders:
- Comprehend the evolution of mental health definitions and classifications, with a focus on the biopsychosocial model.
- Analyze the relationship between biological, psychological, and social factors in the development of psychiatric conditions.
2. Gain knowledge of public mental health systems:
- Explore the organization and functioning of public mental health services.
- Recognize the importance of mental health policies and their impact on patient care and societal well-being.
3. Understand clinical assessment skills used to diagnose mental disorders:
- Learn the principles and application of the Mental Status Examination (MSE) to evaluate psychiatric conditions.
- Identify key signs and symptoms of common mental disorders through clinical observation and case studies.
4. Understand the shared pathogenetic mechanisms of mental disorders:
- Investigate the genetic, neurobiological, and environmental bases of psychiatric disorders.
- Discuss the role of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and neural circuitry in mental health conditions.
5. Gain knowledge on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment approaches of specific psychiatric disorders
6. Develop critical thinking and integrative skills:
- Correlate the pathogenetic mechanisms of psychiatric disorders with their clinical presentation and treatment strategies.
7. Contribute to the overall objectives of the Neuroscience Curriculum:
- Integrate psychiatric knowledge with a neuroscientific perspective to enhance understanding of brain-behavior relationships.
- Prepare for careers in clinical research, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation, aligning with the professional profiles and employment opportunities outlined in the program.
Teaching Methods
- Lectures: Designed to provide theoretical foundations and foster understanding of complex concepts.
- Interactive Discussions: Encourage critical thinking and collaborative learning.
- Research Integration: Exposure to current research in psychiatric disorders to bridge theory and practice.
This course supports the broader goals of the Medical Biotechnology program by equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges of mental health diagnostics and treatment in a rapidly evolving field.
Upon completion of this course, students will:
1. Understand the modern conceptualization of mental disorders:
- Comprehend the evolution of mental health definitions and classifications, with a focus on the biopsychosocial model.
- Analyze the relationship between biological, psychological, and social factors in the development of psychiatric conditions.
2. Gain knowledge of public mental health systems:
- Explore the organization and functioning of public mental health services.
- Recognize the importance of mental health policies and their impact on patient care and societal well-being.
3. Understand clinical assessment skills used to diagnose mental disorders:
- Learn the principles and application of the Mental Status Examination (MSE) to evaluate psychiatric conditions.
- Identify key signs and symptoms of common mental disorders through clinical observation and case studies.
4. Understand the shared pathogenetic mechanisms of mental disorders:
- Investigate the genetic, neurobiological, and environmental bases of psychiatric disorders.
- Discuss the role of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and neural circuitry in mental health conditions.
5. Gain knowledge on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment approaches of specific psychiatric disorders
6. Develop critical thinking and integrative skills:
- Correlate the pathogenetic mechanisms of psychiatric disorders with their clinical presentation and treatment strategies.
7. Contribute to the overall objectives of the Neuroscience Curriculum:
- Integrate psychiatric knowledge with a neuroscientific perspective to enhance understanding of brain-behavior relationships.
- Prepare for careers in clinical research, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation, aligning with the professional profiles and employment opportunities outlined in the program.
Teaching Methods
- Lectures: Designed to provide theoretical foundations and foster understanding of complex concepts.
- Interactive Discussions: Encourage critical thinking and collaborative learning.
- Research Integration: Exposure to current research in psychiatric disorders to bridge theory and practice.
This course supports the broader goals of the Medical Biotechnology program by equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges of mental health diagnostics and treatment in a rapidly evolving field.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will achieve the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the modern conceptualization of mental disorders, including their classification, pathophysiology, and biopsychosocial underpinnings.
2. Gain in-depth knowledge of the organization and functioning of public mental health services and their role in patient care and societal well-being.
3. Understand the shared pathogenetic mechanisms of common mental disorders, including genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors.
4. Acquire specific knowledge of major psychiatric conditions, including psychosis, schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and substance use and addiction-related disorders.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
5. Apply theoretical knowledge to assess and interpret clinical symptoms of psychiatric disorders using tools such as the Mental Status Examination (MSE).
6. Integrate an understanding of psychiatric pathogenesis with clinical reasoning to propose diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies.
7. Use a neuroscientific perspective to analyze the relationship between brain function, behavior, and mental health disorders.
Making Judgments
8. Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to mental health disorders.
9. Assess the impact of mental health policies and public health services on patient outcomes and societal well-being.
10. Formulate evidence-based opinions on the challenges and ethical considerations in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Communication Skills
11. Effectively communicate complex concepts related to psychiatric disorders, their pathogenesis, and their clinical manifestations to both specialized and non-specialized audiences.
12. Collaborate with peers and interdisciplinary teams to discuss case studies and propose innovative solutions to mental health challenges.
13. Demonstrate the ability to present findings and research in the field of psychiatry using appropriate scientific language and formats.
Learning Skills
14. Develop independent learning skills to stay updated on advancements in the field of psychiatry, neuroscience, and mental health.
15. Enhance the ability to critically analyze scientific literature and integrate new knowledge into clinical and research practices.
These learning outcomes ensure that students acquire the cultural, disciplinary, and methodological competencies necessary to contribute to the field of neuroscience and medical biotechnology, particularly in the understanding and management of psychiatric disorders. They also align with the program's goal of preparing students for careers in clinical research, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation.
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the modern conceptualization of mental disorders, including their classification, pathophysiology, and biopsychosocial underpinnings.
2. Gain in-depth knowledge of the organization and functioning of public mental health services and their role in patient care and societal well-being.
3. Understand the shared pathogenetic mechanisms of common mental disorders, including genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors.
4. Acquire specific knowledge of major psychiatric conditions, including psychosis, schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and substance use and addiction-related disorders.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
5. Apply theoretical knowledge to assess and interpret clinical symptoms of psychiatric disorders using tools such as the Mental Status Examination (MSE).
6. Integrate an understanding of psychiatric pathogenesis with clinical reasoning to propose diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies.
7. Use a neuroscientific perspective to analyze the relationship between brain function, behavior, and mental health disorders.
Making Judgments
8. Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to mental health disorders.
9. Assess the impact of mental health policies and public health services on patient outcomes and societal well-being.
10. Formulate evidence-based opinions on the challenges and ethical considerations in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Communication Skills
11. Effectively communicate complex concepts related to psychiatric disorders, their pathogenesis, and their clinical manifestations to both specialized and non-specialized audiences.
12. Collaborate with peers and interdisciplinary teams to discuss case studies and propose innovative solutions to mental health challenges.
13. Demonstrate the ability to present findings and research in the field of psychiatry using appropriate scientific language and formats.
Learning Skills
14. Develop independent learning skills to stay updated on advancements in the field of psychiatry, neuroscience, and mental health.
15. Enhance the ability to critically analyze scientific literature and integrate new knowledge into clinical and research practices.
These learning outcomes ensure that students acquire the cultural, disciplinary, and methodological competencies necessary to contribute to the field of neuroscience and medical biotechnology, particularly in the understanding and management of psychiatric disorders. They also align with the program's goal of preparing students for careers in clinical research, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation.
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
Molecular biology:
Genetics of neuropsychiatric disorders
Epigenetic mechanisms in neuropsychiatric disorders
Advanced experimental models of neuropsychiatric disorders
Therapeutic inroads for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Endocrinology:
Physiopathology of anterior pituitary and hypothalamic system
Physiopathology of the posterior pituitary gland
Neuroendocrinology of appetite and weight control.
Mental health:
Modern conceptualizaton of mental disorders
Organization of public mental health services
Mental Status Examination
Shared pathogenetic bases of common mental disorders
Psychosis and Schizophrenia
Mood Disorders
Anxiety and fear-related disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Eating and feeding disorders
Substance use and new addiction-related disorders
Neurology:
Cerebrovascular diseases
Epilepsy
Infective disorders
Multiple sclerosis
Alzheimer disease and other Dementias
Parkinson's Disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Neuropathy.
Genetics of neuropsychiatric disorders
Epigenetic mechanisms in neuropsychiatric disorders
Advanced experimental models of neuropsychiatric disorders
Therapeutic inroads for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Endocrinology:
Physiopathology of anterior pituitary and hypothalamic system
Physiopathology of the posterior pituitary gland
Neuroendocrinology of appetite and weight control.
Mental health:
Modern conceptualizaton of mental disorders
Organization of public mental health services
Mental Status Examination
Shared pathogenetic bases of common mental disorders
Psychosis and Schizophrenia
Mood Disorders
Anxiety and fear-related disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Eating and feeding disorders
Substance use and new addiction-related disorders
Neurology:
Cerebrovascular diseases
Epilepsy
Infective disorders
Multiple sclerosis
Alzheimer disease and other Dementias
Parkinson's Disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Neuropathy.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific prerequisites required for this course other than those necessary for admission to the Neuroscience curriculum.
Students are expected to have a foundational understanding of biology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, as provided by the core curriculum of the degree program. Basic knowledge of human physiology and pathology is also recommended to facilitate comprehension of the course content.
Students are expected to have a foundational understanding of biology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, as provided by the core curriculum of the degree program. Basic knowledge of human physiology and pathology is also recommended to facilitate comprehension of the course content.
Teaching methods
1. Lectures:
- The primary mode of instruction will be face-to-face lectures, designed to provide a theoretical foundation on the pathogenetic bases of psychiatric disorders.
- Lectures will include multimedia presentations (e.g., slides) to enhance understanding and engagement.
2. Interactive Discussions:
- Thematic discussions will be encouraged during lectures to deepen understanding of complex topics and promote active participation.
3. E-Learning Support:
- Supplementary materials (e.g., lecture slides, articles) will be made available on the MyAriel platform.
Attendance
- Attendance is strongly recommended to ensure active participation in discussions.
- The interactive nature of the teaching methods makes in-class participation an essential component of the learning process.
This combination of teaching methods is designed to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the course content, enhance critical thinking and communication skills, and prepare students for practical applications in clinical and research settings.
- The primary mode of instruction will be face-to-face lectures, designed to provide a theoretical foundation on the pathogenetic bases of psychiatric disorders.
- Lectures will include multimedia presentations (e.g., slides) to enhance understanding and engagement.
2. Interactive Discussions:
- Thematic discussions will be encouraged during lectures to deepen understanding of complex topics and promote active participation.
3. E-Learning Support:
- Supplementary materials (e.g., lecture slides, articles) will be made available on the MyAriel platform.
Attendance
- Attendance is strongly recommended to ensure active participation in discussions.
- The interactive nature of the teaching methods makes in-class participation an essential component of the learning process.
This combination of teaching methods is designed to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the course content, enhance critical thinking and communication skills, and prepare students for practical applications in clinical and research settings.
Teaching Resources
Slides provided by the teachers
Kandel et al. Principle of Neurosciences
Kandel et al. Principle of Neurosciences
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment is conducted through an oral examination. The following details outline the examination modalities, evaluation criteria, and grading system:
Modality and Structure
- Type of Examination: Oral examination.
- Structure: The oral exam consists of an interactive discussion where the student is required to answer theoretical questions related to the course topics.
Parameters of Evaluation
1. Knowledge and Understanding:
- Comprehension of course content, including the pathogenetic bases of psychiatric disorders and their clinical manifestations.
- Ability to explain shared pathogenetic mechanisms and specific psychiatric conditions.
2. Critical Thinking and Reasoning:
- Capacity to analyze and integrate information from different topics within the course.
- Ability to establish connections between theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
3. Communication Skills:
- Clarity, coherence, and organization of responses.
- Use of appropriate scientific and technical terminology.
Duration
- The oral examination will typically last 10-15 minutes, depending on the depth of the student's responses and the number of questions posed.
Grading System
- Evaluation: The final grade will be expressed in thirtieths (0-30). A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass the examination.
- Criteria for Grading:
- 30/30 with honors: Excellent knowledge, critical thinking, and precise use of technical language.
- 27-29/30: Very good understanding, with minor inaccuracies or gaps in reasoning.
- 24-26/30: Good understanding, but with some gaps in knowledge or critical analysis.
- 18-23/30: Sufficient knowledge, with limited critical reasoning or clarity.
- Below 18/30: Insufficient knowledge or inability to apply concepts effectively.
Intermediate Assessments
- No intermediate assessments or pre-exams are planned for this course.
Materials Allowed
- No additional materials (e.g., glossaries, manuals, calculators) are permitted during the oral examination.
Communication of Results
- The results of the oral examination will be communicated directly to the student at the end of the exam session.
This assessment method ensures that students demonstrate not only their theoretical knowledge but also their ability to critically analyze and apply the concepts covered in the course.
Modality and Structure
- Type of Examination: Oral examination.
- Structure: The oral exam consists of an interactive discussion where the student is required to answer theoretical questions related to the course topics.
Parameters of Evaluation
1. Knowledge and Understanding:
- Comprehension of course content, including the pathogenetic bases of psychiatric disorders and their clinical manifestations.
- Ability to explain shared pathogenetic mechanisms and specific psychiatric conditions.
2. Critical Thinking and Reasoning:
- Capacity to analyze and integrate information from different topics within the course.
- Ability to establish connections between theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
3. Communication Skills:
- Clarity, coherence, and organization of responses.
- Use of appropriate scientific and technical terminology.
Duration
- The oral examination will typically last 10-15 minutes, depending on the depth of the student's responses and the number of questions posed.
Grading System
- Evaluation: The final grade will be expressed in thirtieths (0-30). A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass the examination.
- Criteria for Grading:
- 30/30 with honors: Excellent knowledge, critical thinking, and precise use of technical language.
- 27-29/30: Very good understanding, with minor inaccuracies or gaps in reasoning.
- 24-26/30: Good understanding, but with some gaps in knowledge or critical analysis.
- 18-23/30: Sufficient knowledge, with limited critical reasoning or clarity.
- Below 18/30: Insufficient knowledge or inability to apply concepts effectively.
Intermediate Assessments
- No intermediate assessments or pre-exams are planned for this course.
Materials Allowed
- No additional materials (e.g., glossaries, manuals, calculators) are permitted during the oral examination.
Communication of Results
- The results of the oral examination will be communicated directly to the student at the end of the exam session.
This assessment method ensures that students demonstrate not only their theoretical knowledge but also their ability to critically analyze and apply the concepts covered in the course.
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 1
MED/13 - ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM - University credits: 1
MED/25 - PSYCHIATRY - University credits: 2
MED/26 - NEUROLOGY - University credits: 2
MED/13 - ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM - University credits: 1
MED/25 - PSYCHIATRY - University credits: 2
MED/26 - NEUROLOGY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 42 hours
Professors:
D'Agostino Armando, Mantovani Giovanna, Peverelli Erika Maria, Sansone Valeria Ada Maria, Testa Giuseppe
Shifts:
Turno
Professors:
D'Agostino Armando, Mantovani Giovanna, Peverelli Erika Maria, Sansone Valeria Ada Maria, Testa Giuseppe