Class Descriptions

Psychopharmacology

SW700

Credits:	1
Prerequisites:	None

Pathway Associations

Community Change
Global
Interpersonal Practice	Elective (Host)
Mgmt & Leadership
Policy & Political
Program Evaluation
Older Adults	Elective
Children & Families

Course Description

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 older adults.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
● Compare the physiological actions of medications and differentiate among the types of currently available psychotropic medications.
● Formulate a medication treatment for each mental disorder or substance use disorder.
● Design a treatment plan, by applying risk vs. benefits of different medications based on: therapeutic effects, side effects, adverse reactions, medication management.
● Identify the rewards and challenges regarding interdisciplinary collaboration between social worker and prescribing physicians.
● Analyze psychopharmacological challenges associated with different populations (children, adolescents, adults, older adults, pregnant women etc).
● Assess legal and other considerations in psychopharmacology for social workers

Design

Lecture and discussion format

Intensive Focus on Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice (PODS)

Students are invited and expected to actively contribute from their experiences, field placement practice and knowledge of readings, etc. to help support and develop a vision of social justice, learn to recognize and reduce mechanisms that support oppression and injustice, work toward social justice processes, apply intersectionality and intercultural frameworks and strengthen critical consciousness, self-knowledge and self-awareness to facilitate PODS learning.