Introduction to Clinical Psychopharmacology

PP7359

Introduction to Clinical Psychopharmacology

and Substance Abuse

Spring 2008

INSTRUCTOR:

Kathleen M. O’Brien, Ph.D.

PHONE:

312.777.7691

EMAIL:

ALT PHONE:

708 507 4216

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Title / A primer of drug action: A concise, nontechnical guide to the
actions, uses, and side effects of psychoactive drugs
Author(s) / Julien, R.M.
Copyright / (2005)
Publisher / NewYork: Worth Publishers
ISBN /
Edition / 11th(or most recent)
Title /

The therapist’s guide to psychopharmacology.

Author(s) / Patterson, J., et al.
Copyright / (2006)
Publisher / (New York: Guilford)
ISBN
Edition

This Course Requires the Purchase of a Course Packet: YES NO

Argosy University

AmericanSchool of Professional Psychology - Chicago Campus

PP7359 Introduction to Clinical Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse

Spring 2008

Kathleen M. O’Brien, Ph.D.

Office Tel. No.: 312 777 7691

Private Number: 708 507 4216

Email:

Teaching Assistant: Kres Snyder

(contact information provided on the first day of class)

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to introduce graduate students to fundamental principles of psychopharmacotherapy and to the available theory and research behind these principles. This course will also introduce students to some crucial ramifications to drug use. More specifically, this course will discuss the impact of psychopharmacology on the field of professional psychology. In addition, this course will address the topic of drug abuse.

Mission Statement of the Doctoral Programin Clinical Psychology

Program Outcomes: The Doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University Chicago Campus is an APA accredited program (APA, 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC20002, 202-336-5500). This program is designed to educate and train students so that they may eventually be able to function effectively as clinical psychologists. To ensure that students are prepared adequately, the curriculum provides for the meaningful integration of theory, training and practice. The Clinical Psychology program at Argosy University Chicago Campus emphasizes the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential in the formation of professional psychologists who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services. Specific objectives of the program include the following:

• Goal 1: Prepare professional psychologists to accurately, effectively, and ethically select, administer, score, interpret, and communicate findings of appropriate assessment methods informed by accepted psychometric standards and sensitive to the diverse characteristics and needs of clients.
• Objective 1a: Accurately and ethically administer and score various psychodiagnostic instruments.
• Objective 1b: Accurately interpret and synthesize assessment data in the context of diversity factors, referral questions, and specific objectives of the assessment, and organize and communicate results in writing and orally.
• Objective 1c: Examine psychometric properties of psychological assessment instruments, and use that knowledge to evaluate, select, administer, and interpret psychological tests and measures appropriate for the client, the referral question, and the objectives of the assessment.
• Goal 2: Prepare professional psychologists to select, implement, and evaluate psychological interventions consistent with current ethical, evidence-based, and professional standards, within a theoretical framework, and with sensitivity to the interpersonal processes of the therapeutic relationship and the diverse characteristics and needs of clients.
• Objective 2a: Synthesize the foundations of clinical psychology, including psychopathology, human development, diagnosis, diversity, ethics, and various therapeutic models in clinical applications.
• Objective 2b: Select, plan, and implement ethical and evidence-based interventions with sensitivity to the diverse characteristics and needs of clients.
• Objective 2c: Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively implement and participate in psychological consultation and supervision.
  Objective 2d: Demonstrate personal development and self-reflective capacity, including growth of interpersonal skills, and therapeutic relationships.

• Goal 3: Prepare professional psychologists to analyze the complexity and multidimensionality of human diversity, and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to understand diverse worldviews and the potential meaning of social, cultural, and individual differences for professional psychological services.
• Goal 4: Prepare professional psychologists to examine the historical context and the current body of knowledge of biological, cognitive, affective, developmental, and social bases of human functioning.
• Goal 5: Prepare professional psychologists to critically evaluate the current and evolving body of scholarly literature in psychology to inform professional practice.

Course Objectives

1.Gain a basic understanding of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.

2.Gain a basic understanding of principles of clinical psychopharmacology.

3.Develop an appreciation of the physiological, psychological and socio-political consequences of drug use and abuse.

4.Open a discussion and promote a dialogue regarding combined treatment modalities (psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy), and prescription privileges to professional psychologists.

Course Assessment

Students are expected to attend all classes, read all designated articles and chapters, and complete all assignments. Meaningful participation in classroom discussions is encouraged and expected. Students are invited to ask questions, express their thoughts regarding the material presented, and demonstrate respect and sensitivity to individual differences and opinions.

Starting the second week of classes, individual meetings with the instructor and the TA will be available during designated office hours and by appointment. A TA session will be held before the midterm examination. Students who must miss a class or an assignment (regardless of the reason) have to inform the instructor as early as possible.

Students’ course performance will be assessed in the following way:

*Class participation - students will be evaluated by their attendance and their contributions to class discussions.

*In-class examination – (the eighth class of the semester), students will be given an in-class exam. Specific instructions for this exam will be provided the previous week of the semester. This exam will be an open book/notes test.

*Final course project - Students will be responsible to complete in a timely fashion a final project. Appendix A will provide detailed instructions for this assignment. This project will be due for presentation to the class during the final week of classes.

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*The in-class examination and the presentation of the final project will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of theory and relevant knowledge (Objectives 1, 2, and 3). The final course project will also allow students to participate in open discussions and debates about significant issues (Objectives 3 and 4). Classroom discussions will be directed toward an exploration of clinically relevant topics (fundamentals of assessment; conduct and ethics; individual and multicultural differences; treatment planning) and the overall contributions of the filed of psychopharmacology to mental health (Objectives 3 and 4).

*The final grade of this course will be determined by the total points (out of a maximum of 100) earned as following:

a. class participation25 points (25%)

b. in-class exam 50 points (50%)

c. final project25 points (25%)

*Grading will be based on the following values:

A= 95 to 100 B = 88 to 89

A- = 93 to 94 B- = 85 to 87

B+ = 90 to 92 C = 84 and below

Disability Statement

It is the policy of the ArgosyUniversity, Chicago Campus to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disability, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If a student with disabilities needs accommodations to complete the instructor’s course requirements, the student must notify the Director of Student Services. Procedure for documenting student disability and the development of reasonable accommodation will be provided to students upon request. Students will be notified by the Director of Student Services when each request for accommodation is approved or denied in writing via designated form. It is the student’s responsibility to present the form (at his or her discretion) to the instructor in order to receive the requested accommodation in class. In an effort to protect student privacy, Student Services will not discuss the accommodation needs of any student with the instructors.

Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism Statement

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The University seeks to foster a spirit of honesty and integrity. Any work submitted by a student must represent original work produced by that student. Any source used by the student must be documented through normal scholarly references and citations, and the extent to which any sources have been used must be apparent to the reader. The University further considers resubmission of a work produced for one course or the submission of work done partially or entirely by another to be academic dishonesty. It is the student’s responsibility to seek clarification from the course instructor about how much help may be received in completing an assignment or exam or project and what sources may be used. Students found guilty of academic dishonesty or plagiarism shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the University.

Required Texts

Julien, R.M. (2005)A primer of drug action: A concise, nontechnical guide to the actions, uses, and side effects of psychoactive drugs, 11th Edition. (or most recent)

NewYork: Worth Publishers

Patterson, J., et al. (2006) The therapist’s guide to psychopharmacology. (New York: Guilford)

Recommended Readings

Beitman, B.D. and Klerman, G.L. (1984)Combined psychotherapy and drug therapy in

clinical practice. NewYork: Medical and Scientific Books - A Division of

Spectrum Publications, Inc.

Brick, J. And Carlton, K.E. (1998)Drugs, the brain behavior: The psychopharmacology of abuse

and dependence. NewYork: The Haworth Press, Inc.

Crenshaw, T.L. and Goldberg, J.P. (1996)Sexual pharmacology: Drugs that effect sexual

function. NewYork: Norton.

Fields, Richard. (2007) Drugs in perspective. New York: McGraw Hill)

Hagan, E. and Gormley, J. (1998)HIV/AIDS and the drug culture: shattered lives.

NewYork: The Haworth Press, Inc.

Russo, E. (2001)Handbook for psychotropic herbs: A scientific analysis of herbal remedies for psychiatric conditions. NewYork: The Haworth Press, Inc.

Teater, P.A. (1998)Intervention for ADHD: Treatment in developmental context.

NewYork: The Guilford Press.

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Course Outline and Readings

Part I:Introduction and Fundamentals

Class 1:Historical overview of drug use;

Principles of drug actions and pharmacotherapy

Class 2:Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Julien: Chs. 1 & 2 Patterson, et. al.: Ch. 2

Class 3:Neuron physiology and neurotransmission

Julien: Ch. 3 Patterson, et. al.: Ch. 1

Part II:Specific Drugs and Pharmacotherapy

Class4:CNS depressants and treatment of anxiety disorders

Julien: Chs. 5 & 6Patterson, et. al.: Ch. 4

Class 5:Psychostimulants and treatment of ADD

Julien: Ch. 7, 8, & 12

Class 6:Antidepressants and treatment of mood disorders

Julien: Chs. 910 Patterson, et. al.: Ch. 3

Class 7:Antipsychotics and treatment of severe psychopathology

Julien: Ch. 11 Patterson, et. al.: Ch. 5

Class 8:TA session

Part III:Selected Topics

Class 9 will be the in class exam. 50 questions, open book, one hour to complete

Class 10:Integration of pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy

Julien: Ch. 19Patterson, et. al.: Ch. 9, 10

Herbal Medicine

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Part IV:Drugs of Abuse

Class 11:Alcohol and Marijuana

Julien: Chs. 4 & 18 7

Class 12:Cocaine and Hallucinogens (other than marijuana)

Julien: Chs. 7& 19

Part V:Class Presentations

Class 13 and 14:Final projects presented in class

Appendix A:Final Project

This project is your final exam for this course. You will be required to collaborate with two other students in preparing a scholarly presentation on one of the suggested topics below. This project presents students with the opportunity to study and explore in depth a specific subject in Psychopharmacology through research of pertinent literature, integration and discussion of ideas and research findings, and ultimately a presentation of this subject.

1.Choose the members of your team (three students per team).

2.Decide on a topic and secure the approval of the TA or instructor for the pursuit of this subject.

3. Prepare to present your topic to the class; each team will be given a time slot for

presentation during the last two (2) class meetings. At your presentation you will

be required to distribute to the class participants an outline of your topic and your

bibliography.

Your project has to choose from one of the following topics:

A.My Favorite Drug: Introduce the drug in terms of its known history, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and clinical applications. Discuss the clinical value or the impact of this drug in terms of dosages of use, main and side effects, tolerances and dependencies, cost, and possibilities of integration with other drugs and/or forms of therapy. Conclude the presentation with a personal opinion of this drug.

B.Prescription Privileges and Professional Psychology: Is it a headache or the future? After an overview of the short history of this topic, present the current status of this issue. Following this introduction, present the dialogue and the controversy around this issue as it is found in the literature. Discuss your findings in light of the APA decision to endorse prescription privileges, including a particular curriculum to train psychologists as pharmacotherapists. This presentation should include your personal opinion on the impact of prescription privileges on the field of mental health in general and professional psychology in particular.

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C.Drug of Abuse Introduce the drug in terms of its known history, pharmacodynamics and kinetics, a description of modes of abuse, and the impact of this drug on the body and person. Follow such presentation with known methods of intervention and rehabilitation. Include your opinion regarding the value of psychological intervention.

D.Special Projects: If you and the members of your team agree to explore something differentbut relevant, present your proposal to the instructor (not later than the 3rdweek of the term) for approval.

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