Common Neuropsychiatric Disorders20 credits

A course which covers a range of brain disorders which are common in adults but which are not otherwise covered in the course.

The 3-day block of the module covers the most common clinical presentations of functional (non-organic) neurological symptoms, ranging from psychogenic movement disorders to non-epileptic attacks. The diagnosis of somatoform disorders is explained with focus on the role of clinical examination and neuropsychiatric investigation in assisting the differential diagnosis between dissociation, factitious and malingering. Possible underlying mechanisms are explained and available management options are presented according to evidence levels.

By the end of the course students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the neurobiology of abnormal mental states in common neurological disorders so that they can apply this knowledge to improve patient outcomes. Identify the different presentations of functional neurological symptoms, including psychogenic movement disorders and non-epileptic attack disorder;
• Develop a structure for assessment and management of people who have these disorders which reflects a critical understanding of the literature and well-developed clinical reasoning. Understand the differential diagnosis between somatoform disorders, dissociative disorders, factitious disorders and malingering;
• Work with both neurological and psychiatric ideas to develop an integrated model of these disorders leading to an enhancement of clinical practice. Understand the methods of investigation and diagnosis, as well as the management options available to patients with somatoform disorders, and apply them to clinical practice;

Provide a critique and synthesis of the existing scientific literature and apply this to practice. Critically appraise the scientific literature on the clinical and research aspects of functional neurological symptoms.

Course dates

• Common Neuropsychiatric Disorders 14th, 21st and 28th March and 25 April (4 Fridays PM).
• Functional neurological disorders 22, 23, 24 April (3 day block AM+PM)

Attendance required

• Common Neuropsychiatric Disorders component: 4 days / 8 lectures
• Functional neurological disorders component: 3 days / 8 lectures

Assessment

• Other Neuropsychiatric Disorders component: 1500 word essay (50%)
• Functional Neurological Disorders component: Exam - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), 20 questions in 1 hour (50%)

Credits

20 credits

Please contact the programme administrator at  clinicalneuro@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

• Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the commitment of a full degree
• Usually taken from existing modules within a Masters, they can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level
• Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
• Alumni status with the University of Birmingham
• Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programmes.

Please note the deadline for submitting an application:

• Applicants eligible for Home fees are to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before the module start date.
• Applicants eligible for Overseas fees are to apply a minimum of 3 months before the module start date.

Please note that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit short course version.

Non-credit short course

The microcredential and the non-credit short course follow the same course structure, the difference between them both is with the non-credit short course you do not take the assessment at the end therefore you will not receive credits but will receive a certificate of completion, this certificate cannot be converted to credits.

Please note if you apply for the non-credit short course, you cannot swap to the microcredential version once registered.

Places on the non-credit shortcourse are limited so please enquire before if spaces are available.