Neurobiology of Psychic Disorders

Course objectives

Aims General aims The objective of the course is to make the student capable of setting the mental disease in the frame of its neurobiological bases. Following the analysis of basic and advanced cellular and molecular mechanims that underly normal brain functions, including neuronal responses to the most common psychoactive drugs, the course analyzes the neurobiological bases, both genetic and epigenetic, of major mental diseases, including Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder and Schizophrenia. Specific aims knowledge and understanding This course provides an updated overview of the neurobiology of main mental illness and makes the student well acquainted with mechanisms underlying the activity of various classes of psychotropic drugs. By taking the course and passing the exam the student will become well acquainted with normal functioning of neural circuits and with genetic and/or epigenetic anomalies, representing risk factors for the development of different types of mental illness. applying knowledge and understanding The specific skills acquired throughout this course nicely complement the overall training and education the student receives in the context of the Master Degree in Dynamic and Developmental Psychopathology, with particular reference to the training in clinical psychology. Taking the course and passing the exam will provide the student with a solid knowledge of the neurobiology of mental disorders, which would be worthwhile during forthcoming professional experience and a valuable basis for post-lauream training in additional studies in the field of psychopathology. making judgements Issues of this course are discussed in light of the most recent break-through of scientific studies, which exploit various experimental models and approaches. Hence, by taking this course and passing the exam the student will be able to critically analyze the validity and limitations of studies that frame a given mental illness in the context of biological anomalies, supported by multidisciplinary approaches. The student will be also able to conceive and discuss alternative/additional hypotheses on the etiopathogenic mechanisms of specific mental illness, identifying issues deserving further investigation. communication skills Attending classroom lessons the student becomes familiar with terms and style typical of the scientific communication in the field of neurobiology, genetics/epigenetics and psychopharmacology. Hence, passing the exam would imply the student has acquired/improved specific skills needed for an efficacious scientific communication. learning skills Taking this course and passing the exam would imply that the student has learnt a number of approaches and methodologies to study the neurobiology of mental disorders. These abilities are attained during traditional lessons that address and critically discuss each specific topic, in light of the most updated findings of studies reported by the scientific literature.

Channel 1
MARIA TERESA FIORENZA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Basic neurobiology with particular attention to principal neurotransmission systems, synaptic plasticity, and neurotrophic factors. These topics will be addressed and discussed in the first four classes (8–10 hours total). Neurobiology of Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Anxiety disorders, Schizophrenia, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, covering both genetic and epigenetic bases. Each disorder will be covered in at least three classroom lessons, leading up to a concluding insightful discussion on subjects of major interest
Prerequisites
Students will find it easier to approach and learn the subjects of this course if they have a basic understanding of the following topics: i) features of glial and neuronal morphology and function; ii) neurotransmitter activity mechanisms. Anyhow, the subjects mentioned above are briefly covered in the first few classes.
Books
Meyer e Quenzer, "Psicofarmacologia, farmaci, cervello e comportamento" EdiErmes Ed. To provide updated content, reviews on the specific fields and topics addressed by the course will be made available by the teacher.
Frequency
Class attendance is not mandatory, although it is strongly advised. This is because the course focuses on a narrow range of subjects and covers them in great detail. Therefore, attending class and taking part in the critical debate helps students learn and comprehend the course subjects better.
Exam mode
During the oral examination, students are evaluated on their ability to contextualize mental illness within its molecular and cellular framework and to critically address potential weaknesses in scientific research and experimental models. Students are encouraged to take advantage of a mid-term oral exam.
Lesson mode
The course is provided as typical classroom lessons that critically examine and handle each particular subject in light of the most recent research findings published in the scientific literature. Following the general presentation and discussion of a specific topic, a targeted session will cover a few particularly pertinent concerns that the teacher has highlighted, taking into account student suggestions as well. The latter aims to further clarify concerns discussed and familiarize students with the critical discussion of certain findings.
SONIA CANTERINI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Basic neurobiolgy, with particular reference to cholinergic, glutamatergic, gabaergic, catecholaminergic, serotoninergic systems. Synaptic plasticity and neurotrophic factors. These topics will be presented and discussed within the initial 4 lessons (8-10 total hr). Neurobiology, including both genetic and epigenetic bases, of Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Schizophrenia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety disorders, Post-Traumatic stress disorder. Each disorder will be addressed within at least 3 classroom lessons with a final critical discussion on topics of major interest.
Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of the following topics: i) morphological and functional features of neurons and glial cells; ii) mechanisms of neurotransmitter activities, enables students to tackle and learn more easily the contents of this course. In any case, initial lessons provide a brief overview of the above-mentioned topics.
Books
Meyer e Quenzer, "Psicofarmacologia, farmaci, cervello e comportamento" EdiErmes Ed. To provide updated contents, reviews on the specific fields and topics addressed by the course will be made available by the teacher.
Frequency
Class attendance is not mandatory although firmly advised. This is bacause the course addresses very specific topics with an in depth focus. Hence, attending classroom lessons and participating to the critical discussion facilitates the acquisition and a better understanding of course contents.
Exam mode
The oral exam evaluates the student ability to set the mental disease in the frame of its molecular and cellular bases and to critically analyze possible flaws of scientific studies and experimental models. Students are encouraged to take advantage of a mid course oral exam, whereas following exam sessions are typically scheduled starting from the end of the course. The oral exam has a 30-45 min duration. The final score is based on the student ability to coherently and exhaustively discuss course contents and the overall self-confidence.
Lesson mode
The course is provided as traditional classroom lessons, which address and critically discuss each specific topic, in light of the most updated findings of studies reported by the scientific literature. Upon conclusion of the general presentation and discussion of a given topic, selected issues of particular relevace, identified by the teacher, also in light of hints provided by students, will be addressed in depth in a focused lesson. The latter is aimed at making students well acquainted with critical discussion of specific findings and at further clarifying issues addressed.
  • Lesson code1026569
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CoursePsychodynamic Psychopathology and Clinical Relationship in Developmental age and Adulthood
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDBIO/13
  • CFU6