Pathogenesis of Mental Disorders and Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan

Catalog description

The conceptual and practice application of brain-behavior relationships for individuals with psychiatric conditions is developed in this course. Specific biological theories of diagnostic classifications found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This provides the basis for the development of a fund of psychopharmacology knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical judgment in the application of psychopharmacology agents in the treatment of psychiatric conditions for advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing practice. Using case study methods to encourage the application of knowledge to clinical practice, the course pragmatically addresses culturally diverse client populations across the lifespan who present with a range of symptom manifestations, at all levels of severity. The course emphasizes evidence-based practice, resarch based clinical decision making and a holistic approach to integrating the science and biology of the mind with social and behavioral interventions.