Psychopharmacology

The purpose of this course is to provide members of the interprofessional healthcare team with the information necessary to appropriate prescribe, administer, and dispense psychopharmacotherapy, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care and public health. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Outline the history of pharmacology in psychiatry.

2. Describe the action and use of typical antipsychotics.

3. Compare and contrast the various atypical antipsychotics.

4. Evaluate class-wide adverse effects of antipsychotics.

5. Identify available antidepressant medication and their use in the treatment of major depression.

6. Discuss potential adverse effects and warnings associated with antidepressants.

7. Describe medications used in the management of bipolar disorder.

8. Assess the role of antidepressants in the management of anxiety disorders.

9. Discuss the use of benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety.

10. Review available pharmacotherapy to incorporate into the treatment of substance use disorders.


This 10-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.