Clinical Psychology

A.Y. 2025/2026
7
Max ECTS
42
Overall hours
SSD
M-PSI/08
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide an overview of the areas of knowledge and intervention of clinical psychology. Starting from the complexity of the concepts of health and mental disorder, it will address the topic of diagnosis (nosographic and functional). Students will be equipped with tools to understand the psychological functioning of individuals with personality disorders and the diagnostic criteria according to the DSM for diagnosing personality disorders. Finally, the course will offer an overview of the main psychotherapy models used for the treatment of mental disorders.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
· Understand the definition of normality and pathology
· Reflect on the complexity of the concepts of health and mental disorder
· Describe the diagnostic process and its tools (interview, tests, observation)
· Understand the differences between nosographic/ descriptive diagnosis and functional diagnosis
· Know the psychodynamic diagnosis of personality: levels of personality organization and types of personality
· Know the definition of personality disorder according to DSM-5-TR and the clinical features of personality disorders in different clusters
· Apply clinical psychology knowledge to recognize signs of psychological distress and hypothesize a diagnosis
· Understand the theoretical foundations of the main treatment models in psychotherapy (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and systemic-relational)
· Interpret different theoretical models of intervention (psychotherapy models) in relation to the historical context in which they originated
· Know the ethical and deontological aspects of the work of a clinical psychologist
· Interpret the code of ethics to keep in mind the deontological framework of clinical work
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

Course syllabus
· Clinical Psychology: Definition and Areas of Intervention
· Characteristics and Criteria for Defining Mental Disorders
· Naming Things: The Diagnostic Process
· Different Types of Diagnosis: Nosographic and Functional Diagnosis
· Not Everything is as it Seems: Differential Diagnosis
· Tools for Psychological Diagnosis: Interviews, Tests, and Observations
· Personality, Temperament, and Character
· Personality Disorders
· The Different Theoretical Models in Clinical Psychology for Treating Mental Disorders
· The Main Models of Psychotherapy (Psychodynamic Model, Cognitive-Behavioral Model, Humanistic Model, Systemic Model)
· A Compass for the Psychologist: Brief Notes on Professional Ethics
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
Theoretical lessons, videos, class discussions, group works, analysis of clinical cases.
Teaching Resources
Maria Cristina Verrocchio. Manuale di Psicologia clinica. Piccin, 2023. Capitoli: 1,2,3,6,9,17,21,25 e scheda 9 di approfondimento
McWilliams N. Diagnosi psicoanalitica. Casa Editrice Astrolabio: 2012. Capitoli: 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Sulla piattaforma Ariel saranno caricate le slides delle lezioni che sono oggetto di studio.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written exam with multiple choice questions
M-PSI/08 - CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY - University credits: 7
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor: Clerici Carlo Alfredo