Program Overview

Program Overview

The Diplôme d'Université (DU) in Psychiatrie du Sujet Âgé is a university diploma program that aims to improve the theoretical and practical knowledge of students in the field of psychiatric care for the elderly.

Program Description

The program is designed for healthcare professionals, including medical and paramedical staff, who work in psychiatry, geriatrics, neurology, or primary care medicine. The program's objective is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychiatric problems faced by the elderly population, including the psychological, psychodynamic, geriatric, and neurologic aspects of these issues.

Objectives

The program's pedagogical objectives are to:

• Acquire knowledge on the psychodynamic aspects of normal and pathological aging
• Acquire knowledge on the main psychiatric and neurodegenerative pathologies affecting the elderly
• Improve the management of psychiatric pathologies and behavioral disorders in the elderly
• Understand non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies and the principles of psychotropic medication management (for medical doctors)
• Know the different care and support systems available
• Improve coordination between healthcare professionals

Program Structure

The program consists of:

• Theoretical teaching: 81 hours
• Practical teaching: 10 hours
• Internship: 30 hours (10 half-days of 3 hours each)

Evaluation

The program includes a continuous assessment of knowledge, with two complementary modalities:

• Written exam with two essay questions and/or a clinical case study (out of 50 points)
• A written memoir (not exceeding 20 pages) defended orally before a jury (out of 50 points)

Specificities and Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites, but candidates who are already working with the elderly or have a professional project in the field of psychiatry, geriatrics, neurology, or medico-social care will be given priority.

Target Audience

The program is open to healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, interns, nurses, healthcare managers, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists, who are working in psychiatry, geriatrics, neurology, primary care medicine, or medico-social establishments.

Minimum and Maximum Enrollment

The minimum enrollment required for the program to open is 14 students, and the maximum enrollment is 35 students.

Program Duration

The program lasts for 1 year, with one annual session scheduled in June for written exams and a memoir defense in November.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the program are:

• 804 for initial training
• 1,200 for continuing education (individual or employer-funded)