MF205: Syllabus Steven J. Sandage, Ph.D.
Winter 2002 Bethel Theological Seminary
Office: A204; 638-6170
e-mail:
Special Topic:
Psychopharmacology and the Treatment of Children and Adolescents
Course Description:
More often today the treatment of serious psychiatric symptoms in children and adolescents may include psychotropic medications. Counselors and therapists working with children and their families need basic knowledge about the most frequently prescribed agents, their clinical indications, possible side effects, and potential interactions with the process of psychotherapy. Basic principles of pediatric psychopharmacology will be reviewed. A model will be proposed for integrating psychopharmacological treatment and individual and family therapy. Specific attention will be given to ADHD, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. Clinical cases will serve to illustrate psychological, family systemic, and psychiatric perspectives.
Course Objectives:
1. An understanding of specific psychotropic medications for children and adolescents.
2. A sense of when a psychiatric referral might be indicated.
3. Knowledge of current psychiatric treatments for ADHD, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders with children and adolescents.
4. Guidelines for effective collaboration between counselors/therapists and psychiatrists.
5. A model for integrating psychopharmacological treatment and individual and family therapy.
Required Reading:
Resnikoff, R. (2001). Bridges for healing: Integrating family therapy and psychopharmacology. Philadelphia, PA: Brunner-Routledge.
Course Requirements:
1. Attend Psychopharmacology Workshop on Friday, February 8, 2002 from 9 a.m to 3:30 p.m. at the atrium at Calvary Baptist Church.
2. Attend follow-up session Friday, March 7, 2002 from 9 a.m to 11:00 a.m.
3. Read Resnikoff (2001) and write a 1500 word paper that draws on or engages Resnikoff and workshop material to describe your current perspective on the place of psychopharmacology in mental health treatment. That is, how do you see medications fitting or not fitting in with mental health treatment? How would you decide about psychiatric referrals? How would you talk to clients about your perspective? And what are your current questions that invite further study or exploration? You are free to address psychopharmacology in general or limit your focus to children and adolescents. Due Friday, March 14 by 4 p.m.
Note: Course credit will require attendance at both sessions and completion of the paper.