CP 5224 Psychopharmacology
Study of the range of current psychopharmacological interventions and collaborative treatment as applied to co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders, the severely mentally ill, and other DSM diagnostic categories. The following classes of medications are studied: anti-depressants; anti-anxiety; mood stabilizers; anti-psychotics; opioid analgesics; cognition enhancing; consciousness altering; herbal and alternative. Neurobiological mechanisms of mental disorders and behavioral addiction are reviewed in terms of current research. There is also an extensive explanation of the process of sleep and sleep disorders. Interaction of psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions is discussed, including medication response and side effects, how to talk with clients and referral to psychiatrists. Case examples from clinical practice will be presented, discussed and evaluated from a psychopharmacological perspective. This course is restricted to students In the Counseling Psychology Graduate Program.