PSY67562 - Psychopharmacology

(2 units)

This course will deal with issues involving patients who are in need of, or have been prescribed, psychotropic medications or who otherwise use mind-altering drugs. In this regard, some patients will be medicated appropriately while others will not. Some patients may abuse prescription medications and/or mix them with Over the Counter (OTC) or illegal drugs. This will complicate the clinical presentation and subsequent diagnosis. There are also patients who have been inappropriately medicated. Some patients attempt to medicate themselves either by tampering with their prescriptions or with the use of alcohol or other illegal substances. Therefore, they may seek or require help in either ceasing the use of medications or reorganizing the way in which they use these medications. You do not prescribe drugs and the manner in which you are able to communicate your concerns and knowledge of psychopharmacology while collaborating with the prescribing physician is of paramount importance. Special attention will be paid to this collaboration as will attention be paid to special populations and their situations. The underlying tenets of this course will be that of the systemic model and despite an individual’s behavior, diagnosis, or prescription medication the impact on the family will receive close examination.