UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY

Course overview

It is estimated that many Americans suffer from some form of psychological disorder at any point in time, including addictions. This has been on the rise in the USA over the last several decades. These statistics affect al ages from childhood to the elderly and it translates to the fact that many of our patients have co morbidities of mental health disorders with profound negative implications for patients as well as for families and society. Physical therapists are a vital part of the interdisciplinary team. They are uniquely qualified to assess the side effects of pharmacology on the patient's balance , gait, additional motor and functional skills as well as work performance. This seminar will review the neurotransmitters, receptors and transmitters involved in psychological disorders and examine the major classes of mental health disorders.