Chronic Pain and Rare Diseases 2500-PL-PS-FS-17
This course has not yet been described...
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Term 2026Z:
The course provides knowledge and develops skills relevant to working with individuals experiencing chronic pain and fatigue, particularly in the context of rare diseases. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the relationships between biological, psychological, and social factors that influence patient functioning. Students become familiar with contemporary psychological models of chronic pain and analyze mechanisms that may maintain symptoms, such as catastrophizing, avoidance behaviors, and difficulties in emotion regulation. Classes include case study analysis, group work, elements of communication training, and discussions based on scientific literature. An important component of the course is also the patient perspective, as well as an introduction to research thinking in clinical and health psychology; students learn to formulate basic research questions based on clinical observations and scientific evidence. |
Course coordinators
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The student knows and understands:
biopsychosocial mechanisms of chronic pain and fatigue,
psychological consequences of rare diseases for patients’ functioning,
basic psychological models of chronic pain (e.g., fear-avoidance model, catastrophizing),
the role of emotional and cognitive factors in symptom maintenance,
fundamental principles of psychological support for individuals with chronic somatic illness.
Skills
The student is able to:
analyze case studies related to chronic pain and rare diseases,
identify psychological and social mechanisms relevant to patient functioning,
conduct basic supportive and psychoeducational conversations,
formulate research questions concerning chronic pain and rare diseases,
work collaboratively on case analysis and presentation of findings.
Social competences
The student is ready to:
respect the perspectives and lived experiences of individuals with chronic illness,
communicate with patients in an empathic and professional manner,
engage in interdisciplinary collaboration,
critically reflect on the limitations of knowledge and clinical practice in the field of rare diseases.