MSc Early Intervnetion in Psychosis

1. Basic Concepts and Elements of Psychotic Disorders

This module covers the fundamental aspects of the psychopathology and etiology of psychotic spectrum disorders. It includes methods for the early detection and assessment of psychotic disorders, with a particular focus on the first psychotic episode. Biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the onset of psychosis will be emphasized.

Key topics include:

• Definitions, signs, and symptoms of psychotic disorders.
• The concept of the psychosis spectrum.
• Etiopathogenesis and neurobiology of psychosis.
• Rationale and principles of early intervention in psychosis.
• Global efficacy of early intervention programs.
• Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) and clinical staging.
• Course and prognosis of first-episode psychosis (FEP).
• Comorbidities in psychosis, psychotic disorders, and substance use.
• Clinical interviewing skills, psychometric assessments (CAARMS, HAMILTON, PANSS).
• Cognitive functions and psychosis, psychometric tools for psychosis, and the concept of stigma in first-episode psychosis.

2. Methods of Scientific Research

This module familiarizes students with the principles and objectives of scientific research design in health sciences.

Key topics include:

• Research methodology in health sciences (definitions, objectives, validity, types of studies, types of errors, and interpretation of results).
• Techniques for biomedical database searches.
• Fundamentals of epidemiology and scientific research design.
• Formulation of research questions and hypotheses.
• Participant selection, sampling techniques, and sample size determination.
• Guidelines for bibliographic referencing.
• Evaluation of intervention efficacy in health sciences.
• Basic statistical principles and the use of modern statistical tools in health sciences research.

3. Therapeutic Management of Psychotic Disorders

This module focuses on the most effective therapeutic approaches for psychotic spectrum disorders, with an emphasis on the first psychotic episode.

The module is divided into three major categories:

1. Pharmacological treatments.
2. Non-pharmacological biological therapies.
3. Psychotherapy.

Key topics include:

• Antipsychotic medications and their side effects.
• Non-pharmacological biological treatments for resistant psychosis.
• Psychoeducation for psychosis and first-episode psychosis.
• Family therapy and systemic therapy in psychosis.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic interventions, art therapy, drama therapy, and genetic counseling for psychosis.
• The importance of the cultural context in treatment.
• The role of social workers in early psychosis care.

4. Interventions in Psychotic Disorders and Development of Early Intervention Services

This module addresses the development of early intervention services for psychosis. It explores patient integration frameworks, issues of violence and criminality, and the risk of relapse.

Key topics include:

• Psychosocial indicators of therapeutic outcomes (e.g., needs assessment, functionality, and quality of life in first-episode psychosis).
• Legal framework, violence, and criminality in psychosis.
• Mental health structures and services (e.g., day centers, mobile units).
• Intervention in psychosis in children and adolescents.
• Family associations and the role of families in early intervention.
• Social and economic factors in psychosis: social capital as a target for early intervention strategies.
• Relapse prevention and risk factors for relapse in psychosis.
• Reintegration of patients with psychosis (e.g., day hospitals, psychiatric hostels).
• Development of psychosocial skills in patients with psychosis.

5. Statistics

This module includes workshops in small groups designed to support the research component of students' theses.

Key topics include:

• Defining research questions and variables.
• Selecting appropriate statistical methodologies.
• Data entry and processing using statistical analysis software.