PhD in Psychology and Psychiatry (last activated in 2013)

Psychological Curriculum: Cognitive and neural bases of fundamental cognitive functions such as perception, attention, memory and language. These functions will be studied either on normal participants or on patients with selective brain lesions by using experimental psychology or neuropsychological techniques. Electrophysiological correlates of the above cognitive functions as studied with the technique of event-related potentials. Use of eye-movement recording as a means to study visual perception and attention. Study of the neuro-metabolic correlates of cognitive functions by means of functional magnetic resonance imaging. Use of transcranial magnetic stimulation to interfere reversibly and safely with selective aspects of cognitive functions.

Psychiatric Curriculum: Evaluation of psycho-social interventions in psychiatry with special reference to quantitative analysis of inputs, processes and outcomes including evaluation of costs and benefits. Evaluation of outcome predictors in major psychoses and other psychic disturbances also in reference to genetic factors and brain functional and anatomical pathology. Evaluation of the correctness of pharmacological interventions in psychiatry by means of computer assisted monitoring of prescriptions. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of psychiatric drugs through systematic revision of published studies as well direct controlled clinical investigation. Study of the neuro-metabolic correlates and neural bases of the major psychoses by means of functional (and structural) magnetic resonance imaging. Evaluation of the quality of doctor-patient relationship through standardized techniques of analysis of medical interviews either in a general medicine or in a psychiatric setting. Evaluation of the outcome of psychotherapic interventions.