Supplementary Studies

Module 1: Bioscientific methods for researching psychiatric disorders

Brief description of the contents of the module

The bioscientific methods presented in the module currently include: systems biology, genetics, electrophysiology EEG, peripheral physiology, magnetic resonance imaging and PET. In addition, there are mornings on clinical research on Alzheimer's and depression and psychotherapy. 

Learning objectives

Students acquire knowledge of current scientific methods for 

• - Research into the etiology of psychiatric disorders 
  - Improvement of early diagnosis
  - Development of new therapeutic and preventive approaches.

After completing the module, students will be able to list experimental-methodological aspects of research and their application in the context of basic research and clinical trials on patients with psychiatric disorders and explain their theoretical basis, their practical implementation and their relevance for clinical care.

Module 2: Affective disorders

Brief description of the module content

An in-depth examination of affective, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders is offered. These disorders are presented with their special features at different ages, from childhood through adulthood to old age. 

Learning objectives

After completing the module, students will be able to describe and explain the following issues: 

• Psychopathology of affective disorders, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders and ADHD across the lifespan, clinical picture (know patient pictures and histories, can recognize and describe the respective diseases).
• guideline-based and other therapy methods for affective, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders at various levels: biological, pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, in emergencies, new developments. 
• In-depth knowledge of the special features of affective disorders and anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders across the lifespan (special features in childhood, adolescence and old age).

Module 3: Psychotic disorders

Brief description of the module content

General and special psychopathology; diagnostics and differential diagnostics; innovative treatment approaches; psychiatric emergencies and suicidality; early detection; neurobiological principles; child and adolescent psychiatric aspects of psychotic disorders, peer perspective.

Module 4: Medical psychotherapy

Brief description of the module content

The module provides insights into medical psychotherapy and its relevance for communication with patients in general as well as for specific treatments of mental illnesses. Each morning, patients are introduced and/or therapy videos are discussed, interactive discussions are held, theoretical input is provided by the lecturers and short presentations are given by students. Other teaching methods, such as role plays or small group work, are used depending on the lecturer and the course of the event.

Learning objectives

Students gain an insight into psychotherapeutic diagnostics and the treatment strategies derived from this. They will learn about scientifically recognized general and specific psychotherapy methods and their possible applications in the context of medical activities. At the end of this course, students will be able to describe basic medical-psychotherapeutic skills and explain their significance for the treatment of both somatically and mentally ill people.