Understanding Psychopharmacology - DVD only *NO CE - 6 hours
This seminar will review the basic function of neurons and drug actions, followed by an explanation of neurotransmitters and their function in the brain. General prescribing strategies will be presented, as well as common psychotropic medication side-effects and medical/behavioral management of these effects. Major psychological disorders will be presented along with the specific class of psychotropic medication indicate for a diagnostic category. These categories include: psychotic/schizophrenic (neuroleptics), anxiety disorders (rescue anxiolytics), depression (antidepressants), bipolar disorders (mood stabilizers, anti-seizure medications, and second generation anti-psychotics), Alzheimer’s disease (NMDA antagonists & AChE inhibitors), attention deficit disorder & hypersomnolence (stimulants), insomnia (hypnotics), addiction, and special populations (children & the elderly). In addition to psychotropic medication treatment of mental disorders, the necessity for psychotherapy will be emphasized for each mental health disorder in terms of increased treatment efficacy, long-term outcome, and maintenance of treatment gains. The most current empirical evidence which supports the seminar material will be incorporated into CE program to assure participants become cognizant of the treatment-of-choice for specific psychological disorders
