Psychopharmacology

Catalog description

This course surveys basic psychopharmacological concepts, the effects of various psychotropics and drugs of addiction on the brain, the role of neurotransmitters in mental disorders and medicinal interventions, and the pathophysiology of mental disorders including use disorders. You will focus on basic principles of psychopharmacology and drug-receptor interactions and dose-response relationships as well as examine how specific drug families affect different parts of the brain in cases of psychopharmacological treatments. You will learn the value of an interdisciplinary approach to treatment, consultation and referrals. You will use your understanding of basic psychopharmacology to propose appropriate diagnoses and interventions for hypothetical clients, and to evaluate current research studies.