Registration ends 07.4.2026 at 23:59 h

Psychosis is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices) and delusions (e.g., the firm belief that others are persecuting you). Traditionally, psychotic disorders were regarded as purely medical and neurochemical conditions that could not be understood psychologically. This view has changed over the past 20-30 years, and there is now a variety of psychosis-specific psychological models, research methods, and treatment options. For example, we now know that affective states as well as cognitive biases can predict (subclinical) paranoid thoughts, and that cognitive-behavioral interventions can help improve psychotic symptoms.
After a general introduction (e.g., what is a mental disorder), students will present papers on topics, such as the role of self-worth, worrying, or sleep in paranoia. There will be practical aspects throughout: during the first half of the seminar, you will get to know and try out different diagnostic tests and interviews; during the second half of the seminar (when you are familiar with several psychological models), we will develop and conduct a small "self-experience" study within the seminar in which we apply what we have learned to about potential precursors of subclinical psychotic experiences.

1) Students should have a basic understanding of psychotic disorders
2) Students should know psychological theories and models on psychosis
3) Students should know about relevant diagnostic tools that can be used to assess psychotic experiences.
4) Students have a basic understanding of applying psychological research methods for the study of subclinical psychotic symptoms.
5) Hopefully, the seminar helps overcome prejudices and fears that students may have towards people with psychosis.

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