PY 924 - Clinical Psychopharmacology and Health Psychology

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This course surveys the psychopharmacological effects of the different classes of therapeutic medications utilized in the treatment of mental health disorders. Through participation in this course the student will understand the neurological substrates of the major classifications of psychoactive medications to include neurochemical mechanisms, drug half-life, side effects, and contraindications. These classifications include anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and anti-anxiety medications as well as mood stabilizers, hypnotics, psychostimulants. In addition, this course will address medications utilized in substance abuse treatment and the psychopharmacology encountered specific to emergency department settings. Facets of the field of Health psychology will also be reviewed with specific focus on behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial factors influencing prevention, illness, and wellness health factors. Correspondingly, topics for discussion and study will include sleep disorders, cancer and cardiac treatment strategies, pain and stress management, health care provider issues and problems within the health care and medical insurance industries.