Psychopharmacology (3 CE)

Course overview

Pharmacotherapy has become a progressively dominant option in treating psychological disorders. In order to follow the rapid changes in the field of psychiatry, psychotherapists should understand some basic elements of brain biology and how the prescribed medications affect the brain to provide symptom relief. This course addresses psychotropic medications commonly used, their implications, and side-effects. It focuses on disorders that are often treated with medication: Depressive, Anxiety, Psychotic, and Bipolar Disorders, and ADHD. By understanding this information, therapists can be more effective when consulting with psychiatrists and primary physicians and provide thorough patient care. Case vignettes address Acute Situational Anxiety, Major Depression, and Bipolar Illness and reference guides to commonly used psychotropic medications.