3 ECTS credits
90 h study time
Offer 2 with catalog number 4011323FER for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
In Case Studies in Clinical Biological Psychology, specific attention is paid to sleep and sleep disorders. Based on clinical reality, it appears that sleep disorders are ubiquitous (+/-40.75%; Hombali et al., 2019) in patients with psychiatric/psychological disorders (anxiety and mood disorders, PTSD, addiction problems, ...). The clinical psychologist entering practice will be confronted with patients with comorbid sleep disorders in approximately 1 out of 2 cases. A sufficient knowledge of the biology of sleep disorders, their diagnosis and an understanding of related treatment strategies is thus crucial to be able to assist a patient in the 24-hour course of his/her complaints. As a physiological phenomenon that covers almost one third of the life of a human organism, and as a separately recognized clinical domain (approximately 85 recognized sleep disorders according to the ICSD-3), sleep as a transdiagnostic phenomenon deserves an important place in the curriculum of the clinical psychologist, and should be seen as an essential part in the training of biological psychology.
During lectures, the basic principles of sleep-wake regulation are reviewed in detail from a physiological and behavioral standpoint. Common sleep disorders (sleep-related breathing disorders, motor disorders, insomnia, ...) are discussed whereby diagnostic criteria, essential characteristics, treatment procedures, etc. are explained, always from the point of view of the (clinical) psychologist. Specific attention is given to insomnia and its treatment. Possible guest lectures can be organized around specific related themes such as chronic pain and sleep, addiction problems, phytotherapy, ...).
During the practical courses, students are given either 1) the opportunity to observe (or participate in) group sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) under supervision or 2) the opportunity to present and reflect on a case to their peers. Cases can be presented e.g. from one's own practice (internship) or via the teacher/experts. The emphasis is on being able to formulate thorough hypotheses, which are substantiated on the basis of relevant literature and through suitable test material and/or procedures. Based on this, an integrative decision is made and proposal for treatment/ referral is formulated.
Digital courses from previous academic years remain available. Therapy sessions are not recorded, attendance during these sessions is strongly recommended.
A non-disclosure form must be completed to attend therapy sessions in order to preserve patient privacy.
The student acquires knowledge and insight into the neurobiological mechanisms of various sleep disorders and can link these to (comorbid) symptoms, behavior and cognitions.
Based on theory, the student recognizes characteristics, classification, prevalence and consequences of common sleep disorders.
The student can score the used diagnostic material (sleep diary, questionnaires, ...) and interpret the results to come to an integrated treatment plan.
The student will be able to identify problem areas, diagnose sleep-related disorders, and identify pitfalls in the therapeutic pathway based on a case report.
The student will gain insight into the comorbidity of sleep disorders in psychological (clinical) practice and be able to formulate an appropriate treatment or referral proposal.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
SELF Report determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the SELF Report category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Clinical (self-)reflection report based on a case (100% of the end result), as an individual or group assignment (to be determined).
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Psychology: Clinical Psychology (only offered in Dutch)