Psychopathology and Clinical Evaluation Tools
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
1 Discuss the fundamentals of descriptive psychopathology, both from the perspective of psychic phenomena (such as delusions and hallucinations) independently of the disorders in which they occur and in relation to the main psychopathological clinical pictures of developmental and adult age. A particular focus will be placed on clinical conditions characterized by difficulties in adaptation or by psychopathologies secondary to organic pathology, and on clinical conditions characterized by conditions with somatic symptoms and related disorders, and on psychological factors that influence other medical conditions. The fundamentals of psychopathology will be declined in the context of the continuum between normality and pathology.
2 Know the cognitive-behavioral theoretical framework of assessment procedures that include the use of evaluation tools.
3 Know some tools for assessing psychopathology, including the assessment of transdiagnostic factors (cognitive processes, irrational thoughts, emotional regulation, perfectionism, motivation to change).
4 Know the clinical methodology of psychodiagnostic assessment and integration of the results of the application of evaluation tools in clinical reasoning, also for the purposes of developing the psychological profile.
2 Know the cognitive-behavioral theoretical framework of assessment procedures that include the use of evaluation tools.
3 Know some tools for assessing psychopathology, including the assessment of transdiagnostic factors (cognitive processes, irrational thoughts, emotional regulation, perfectionism, motivation to change).
4 Know the clinical methodology of psychodiagnostic assessment and integration of the results of the application of evaluation tools in clinical reasoning, also for the purposes of developing the psychological profile.
Expected learning outcomes
1 Know the main areas of psychopathology, and be able to identify the main disorders described by the official nosography (DSM).
2 Know how to set up an assessment strategy aimed at building a psychological profile.
3 Be able to select and apply assessment tools in the context of cognitive-behavioral models depending on the setting.
4 Have acquired autonomy of judgment and master the specific terminology.
2 Know how to set up an assessment strategy aimed at building a psychological profile.
3 Be able to select and apply assessment tools in the context of cognitive-behavioral models depending on the setting.
4 Have acquired autonomy of judgment and master the specific terminology.
Lesson period: Second semester
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
Course syllabus
Normality and pathology in psychological functioning: Key concepts in Clinical psychology to define, classify, explain and treat mental disorders.
Descriptive psychopathology; examination of mental conditions.
DSM IV; DSM IV-TR; DSM-5; DSM-5-TR: structure and differences.
Etiology: Cognitive-behavioral models.
Psychopathological conditions, with particular reference to depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, disorders related to traumatic and stressful events, somatic symptom disorder and related disorders, psychopathological conditions secondary to organic pathology, and psychological factors that influence other medical conditions; introduction to personality disorders.
Case Conceptualization: The psychological processes that promote, maintain, and aggravate or alleviate psychological suffering; clinical cases.
Psychodiagnostic examination: methods.
Cognitive-behavioral assessment.
Self-report tools: interviews and questionnaires.
Tools for the assessment of psychological aspects relevant in clinical conditions especially characterized by depression, anxiety, stress, somatic symptoms and related disorders.
Identify the most appropriate psychodiagnostic battery in the context of the clinical question raised by the patient.
The psychodiagnostic reports in the clinical setting.
Descriptive psychopathology; examination of mental conditions.
DSM IV; DSM IV-TR; DSM-5; DSM-5-TR: structure and differences.
Etiology: Cognitive-behavioral models.
Psychopathological conditions, with particular reference to depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, disorders related to traumatic and stressful events, somatic symptom disorder and related disorders, psychopathological conditions secondary to organic pathology, and psychological factors that influence other medical conditions; introduction to personality disorders.
Case Conceptualization: The psychological processes that promote, maintain, and aggravate or alleviate psychological suffering; clinical cases.
Psychodiagnostic examination: methods.
Cognitive-behavioral assessment.
Self-report tools: interviews and questionnaires.
Tools for the assessment of psychological aspects relevant in clinical conditions especially characterized by depression, anxiety, stress, somatic symptoms and related disorders.
Identify the most appropriate psychodiagnostic battery in the context of the clinical question raised by the patient.
The psychodiagnostic reports in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
Lectures; case analysis.
Slide on the Ariel platform.
Slide on the Ariel platform.
Teaching Resources
American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5 TR - Manuale diagnostico e statistico dei disturbi mentali - Quinta Edizione Text Revision, Milano: Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2023.
A. M. Kring, G. C. Davison, J. M. Neale, S. L. Johnson. Psicologia Clinica, quinta edizione italiana Zanichelli Editore, 2017.
L. G. Castonguay, T. F. Oltmanns. Psicologia clinica e psicopatologia. Milano: Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2016.
R. Truzoli. ABA per bambini con comportamento autistico. Milano: FrancoAngeli, 2021. (Cap. 3-4-5).
Conti L. Repertorio delle scale di valutazione in psichiatria. SEE Ed., 1999 ISBN: 8884650143
Approfondimento:
R. Truzoli. Psicologia clinica per le professioni sanitarie. Roma: Carlo Amore Ed., Firera & Liuzzo Publishing, 2004.
M. C. Verrocchio Manuale di Psicologia clinica. Padova: Piccin, 2023.
A. M. Kring, G. C. Davison, J. M. Neale, S. L. Johnson. Psicologia Clinica, quinta edizione italiana Zanichelli Editore, 2017.
L. G. Castonguay, T. F. Oltmanns. Psicologia clinica e psicopatologia. Milano: Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2016.
R. Truzoli. ABA per bambini con comportamento autistico. Milano: FrancoAngeli, 2021. (Cap. 3-4-5).
Conti L. Repertorio delle scale di valutazione in psichiatria. SEE Ed., 1999 ISBN: 8884650143
Approfondimento:
R. Truzoli. Psicologia clinica per le professioni sanitarie. Roma: Carlo Amore Ed., Firera & Liuzzo Publishing, 2004.
M. C. Verrocchio Manuale di Psicologia clinica. Padova: Piccin, 2023.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written test, with multiple choice answers; communication of the test outcome within 3 working days;
21 questions; 1.5 points for correct answer; laudation if all answers are correct.
There are no intermediate tests.
21 questions; 1.5 points for correct answer; laudation if all answers are correct.
There are no intermediate tests.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment to be agreed via e-mail
Hall 60 Ospedale L. Sacco via G..B. Grassi, 74 Milano