Psychopharmacology for Social Workers
Summary
This course has a clinical focus and practical orientation; therefore, we will examine basic neuropsychopharmacology, neurotransmitter systems, drug metabolism (i.e, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion), and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psychotropic medications to only a limited degree. Our emphasis will be primarily on understanding the physiological actions, therapeutic effects, and potential toxicities associated with prescribed pharmacotherapies for major classes of mental disorders affecting youth, adults, and the elderly along with other special populations. Lastly, we will discuss the social workers role, ethical and legal issues, collaboration and communication with prescribing doctors and nurses.
- Understand the principles of pharmacokinetics (what the body does to medication) and pharmacodynamics (what the medications do to the body) and be able to describe the main actions of psychotropic drugs in the central nervous system.
- Identify the risks and benefits of psychotropic medications.
- Identify which medications are clinically indicated for different mental health or substance use disorders.
- Describe the effect desired from anti-psychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers.
- Describe the effect desired from anti-anxiety medications and psychostimulants.
- Describe the use of psychotherapeutic medications in the treatment of substance use disorders, including medication assisted treatment (MAT).
- Identify at least one current debate specific to psychopharmacology and its impact for social workers.
- Describe the economic and political forces that promote the wide, sometimes damaging and abusive use of psychotropic medication and opportunities for social work advocacy.
- Describe at least two of the four syndromes of relationship between antidepressants, suicidality, violence, and mania.
- Be able to answer the following questions in a client scenario: What is the diagnosis? What medication would this client be prescribed? What are the benefits of the prescribed medication? What are the risks and or side effects of the prescribed medication?
- Identify and define the three core standards of psychopharmacology practice.
- Identify and define seven roles for social workers and psychopharmacology.
- Describe three issues and three shared rewards regarding interdisciplinary collaboration between social workers and prescribing physicians.
- Describe an ethical issue in psychopharmacology practice.
Instructor
Julie D. Cushman
semester course (mini-course)
Sessions
- 11/11/2017 9:00am to 5:00pm
- 11/18/2017 9:00am to 5:00pm
CE Contact Hours
- 1 ethics face-to-face
- 13 regular face-to-face
Location
U-M School of Social Work
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
Room: 3752
Fees
$265.00
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