Topic: Behavioral Pharmacology

Catalog description

This course provides an overview of behavioral pharmacology, focusing on how psychiatric medications interact with brain functions. Students will gain an understanding of how Central Nervous System (CNS) drugs impact mental processes via the analysis of mechanisms of action and therapeutic roles of various classes of CNS drugs in treating a range of psychiatric disorders. In addition to psychopharmacology aspects, students will examine the challenges and considerations involved in prescribing these drugs, including their use in conjunction with or as an alternative to psychotherapy. The course will also address potential side effects, risks, and the broader implications of drug therapy on mental health management. By reviewing the recent scientific preclinical and clinical literature, students will become familiar with the current trends on drug effect characterization, drug development, and pharmacovigilance for psychoactive drugs. Overall, this comprehensive approach will help students understand the complex relationship between neurobiology, possible mental health treatment, and expected patient outcomes.