The course presents biological and psychological aspects of anorexia nervosa (AN) in adolescence and an overview of treatment options, based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient and the family. AN is an increasingly frequent disorder in adolescence. The perception of body weight and shape is distorted and has an unduly strong influence on a person%E2%80%99s self-concept. The resulting weight loss and nutritional imbalance can lead to serious complications, including death. Moreover, the starvation process itself is often associated with severe alterations of central and peripheral metabolism, affecting overall health during the vulnerable period of adolescence, and it can have profound consequences not only on body but also on brain development. Independently from the starved state, subjects with AN are affected by a severe relational impairment, up to present autistic traits, in the most severe cases. It is therefore necessary for every clinician working with adolescents and pre-adolescents to be familiar with the symptoms, the medical/psychiatric assessment and to the multidisciplinary work needed to treat this complex group of patients.

Course leader
Prof. Renata Nacinovich

Target group
Postgraduate students of child and adolescent psychiatry and in young adult psychiatry; Doctors in psychology undergoing a school of specialization in Clinical Psychotherapy; Applications from undergraduates (5-6 ys at School of Medicine and 4-5 ys at School of Clinical Psychology) will also be considered.

Course aim
TOPICS COVEREDEpidemiology and AN definition in adolescence, according to DSM-5 and the most recent literature.Effect of AN on the body and the mind: which are the possible systemic alterations and the necessary precautions during re-feeding periodAN psychopathological and cognitive aspects Neurobiological and clinical endophenotypes of AN in adolescenceTreatment models for a multidisciplinary care

Fee info
EUR 250: It covers tuition, teaching materials and tutoring services. plus 1 ticket and guided visit to EXPO Milan 2015 site. Also includes social and cultural activities program held by Erasmus Student Network Bicocca. Participants are required to provide for the payment of the course only after an e-mail of confirmation sent by the Univeristy of Milano-Bicocca office.

University of Milano-Bicocca
Address: Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1
Postal code: 20126
City: Milan
Country: Italy
Website: http://www.summerschoolexpo2015.com
E-mail: summerschool@unimib.it
Phone: 02 64481