AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the theoretical and practical foundations of Cognitive Remediation and Behavioral Techniques, with particular focus on bio-psycho-social models.

• Design and implement individualized rehabilitation interventions using both computerized and paper-based tools for cognitive rehabilitation, based on scientific evidence.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions through the use of standardized protocols, illustrating and analyzing the available evidence of efficacy from the literature.

• Develop and monitor an Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP), integrating multidisciplinary collaboration and promoting the use of a shared scientific language within the therapeutic team.

• Conduct practical rehabilitation sessions in psychiatric, psychogeriatric, and neuropsychiatric settings, with attention to the quality of the therapeutic relationship and effective communication with the user.

• Integrate various complementary rehabilitation methodologies into clinical practice, such as:

  • Psychoeducational Interventions

  • Emotional Skills Training

  • Social Skills Training (SST)

  • Metacognitive Interventions

  • Semantic-based Cognitive Rehabilitation

• Analyze organizational models of cognitive rehabilitation, with reference to economic management, quality of interventions, and their sustainability within healthcare settings.

• Experiment with the use of new technologies in mental health.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures and interactive case discussions related to therapeutic and rehabilitative practice

Study groups focusing on in-depth exploration of specific topics

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course explores Cognitive Remediation interventions and behavioral techniques, with the aim of providing up-to-date theoretical and practical training based on scientific evidence.
It will begin by introducing the theoretical foundations that guide the design and implementation of cognitive and behavioral rehabilitation interventions, with particular attention to the bio-psycho-social model, now central to the comprehensive care of the patient.

A significant part of the course will be dedicated to the understanding and use of assessment and planning tools, both in paper and computerized formats. Students will learn how to draft an Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP), how to monitor its progress over time, and how this document serves as the cornerstone of multidisciplinary care. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of communication among team members through the use of a shared and scientifically grounded language.

Ample time will be devoted to the presentation and practical application of cognitive rehabilitation techniques, including guided exercises focusing on memory, attention, executive functions, language, and other cognitive domains. Techniques for managing behavioral disorders will also be addressed, with particular reference to evidence-based behavioral strategies and the importance of the therapeutic relationship and effective communication with the patient.

The course will also cover complementary interventions to cognitive rehabilitation, such as psychoeducational programs, emotional skills training, Social Skills Training (SST), metacognitive interventions, and semantic-based techniques. These approaches will be presented from both theoretical and practical perspectives, including case studies and practical examples.

Finally, the course will examine organizational models of rehabilitation services, with reference to quality management, economic aspects, and the sustainability of interventions. New technologies applied to mental health will be introduced, with a special focus on the use of Virtual Reality, including practical demonstrations and analysis of the clinical potential of these innovative tools.

The course thus offers a comprehensive training opportunity, integrating theoretical, practical, and relational aspects, and providing skills that are immediately applicable in clinical and rehabilitation settings.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Manuale di clinica e riabilitazione psichiatrica. Volume 1 – Psichiatria Clinica
  Antonio Vita, Liliana Dell’Osso, Armida Mucci
  Giovanni Fioriti Editore, 2018
• Manuale di clinica e riabilitazione psichiatrica. Volume 2 – Riabilitazione Psichiatrica
  Antonio Vita, Liliana Dell’Osso, Armida Mucci
  Giovanni Fioriti Editore, 2019
• La riabilitazione cognitiva della schizofrenia
  Antonio Vita
  Giovanni Fioriti Editore
• Rimedio cognitivo orientato al funzionamento lavorativo e al recovery nei disturbi psichiatrici
  Susan R. McGurk, Kim T. Mueser
  Giovanni Fioriti Editore, 2024
• Schizofrenia e terapia cognitiva. Psicopatologia, metacognizione e trattamento
  Raffaele Popolo, Giampaolo Salvatore, Paul H. Lysaker
  Alpes Italia, 2012

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral Exam: The exam will cover the topics discussed during the lessons.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Grading out of thirty.
The assessment method aims to evaluate whether the student has achieved an adequate level of knowledge and has acquired the ability to identify appropriate structures in relation to the patient's needs.