Understanding of the pathogenetci mechanisms of some neuropsychiatric disorders. Knowledge of major drug classes for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Focus on the mechanism of action and side effects of drugs and on innovative strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy.
Teaching Methods
Lessons, discussion of peer reviewed papers published on relevant topics for the field, students will be instructed to present and discuss (Journal Clubs format) papers provided by the lecturer. Furthermore, some classes will take the format of group-working sessions, whereaby the students will collaborate to address specific topics of the course and prepare a seminar for the class, under the guidance and supervision of the lecturer. These extra activities will be awarded with credit points that will integrate the final score of the exam. Seminars on topics falling within the framework of the course, held by experts in the field.
Assessment Methods
Oral examination aiming to evaluate the pharmacological skills acquired in relation to the contents of the course. The final mark will focus on the level of understanding and of oral exposure of the topics
Texts
Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
Ebenezer - Neuropsychopharmacology and Therapeutics
Katzung, Masters and Trevor - Basic and Clinical Pharmacology
Contents
Pathogenesis, therapeutic targets and drugs (mechanism of action, side effects and new therapeutic approaches) for the treatment of some neuropsychiatric disorders: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psycosis, eating disorders (binge eating, anorexia and bulimia nervosa). Biomarkers as non invasive method to aid the study and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders (definition, classification, examples for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of treatment response). Non invasive imaging methods as diagnostic and prognostic tools in neuropsychiatric disorders (PET, MRI). Clinical trials design.
Course Language
English
More information
The slides shown at classes will be provided to the students. Moreover, when necessary, the professor will provide to the students the integrative material that is most suitable for the preparation for the exam.
