Full Course Description

Psychopharmacology: Essential Information for Mental Health Professionals

Dr. Kenneth Carter, a board certified clinical psychologist with a Master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology, shares his clinical experience and training to provide detailed information about the range of common medications prescribed for mental health conditions. You will get the latest information on antidepressants, anxiolytics, and common medications for insomnia and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder among others. Through lecture, the examination of multi-disciplinary ethics codes and real case examples, you will take a close look at the ethical decisions that accompany medication use and the non-prescriber's role and limits with regards to medication discussions with your patients.

Dr. Carter answers questions from providers in the field and walks through examples of practical clinical discussions that come up every day in practice, including how to discuss scope of practice with your patients in order to optimize their care when working with multiple providers. The goal is for you to leave better prepared to communicate with your clients as well as the prescribers, as Dr. Carter instructs you on how the medications work, their benefits, and the side effects and dangerous reactions associated with them.

Program Information

Objectives

Discuss the proper role of mental health professionals who treat clients receiving both psychotherapeutic medications and psychotherapy.
Describe specific ethical issues and resolutions related to communicating with clients and prescribing professionals about psychotropic medications.
Explain the neurotransmitter systems and neuroanatomy underlying the biological basis for mental disorders and pharmacotherapy.
Identify the major classes of drugs used to treat mental disorders and which mental disorders are appropriately treated with each class of drugs.
Describe adverse effects and drug reactions of the commonly prescribed psychotropic medications and when to alert the prescriber about them.
Analyze the role that half-life plays in the efficacy of insomnia medications prescribed for clients and how it may affect behavioral interventions.

Outline

MEDS 101

Case study
Reasons to be knowledgeable about psychiatric medications
Lessons from other disciplines
Pharmacy
Nursing
Ethics guidelines
The common questions clients have about their medications
Handling differences of opinion between yourself and a prescribing professional

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Organization of the nervous system
Structure of the neuron
Communication between neurons
How medicines interact with the nervous system

DEPRESSION MEDICATIONS

Neurobiology
SSRIs and SNRIs
Mechanism of action
Benefits and adverse reactions
Medications in these categories
Case Study

ANXIETY DISORDER MEDICATIONS

DSM-5® anxiety categories
Deconstructionist approach taken by prescribers
Neurobiology
SRRIs and Benzodiazepines
Mechanism of action
Benefits and adverse reactions
Medications in these categories
Case study

BIPOLAR MEDICATIONS

Monotherapy
Lithium, anticonvulsants, and 2nd generation antipsychotics
Mechanism of action
Benefits and adverse reactions
Medications in these categories
Case study

ADHD MEDICATIONS

Neurobiology
Methylphenidate and amphetamine
Mechanism of action
Delivery systems
Benefits and adverse reactions
Medications in these categories
Case study

ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS

Psychosis symptoms
Neurobiology
1st and 2nd generation
Antipsychotics
Mechanism of action
Benefits and adverse reactions
Medications in these categories
Case study

INSOMNIA MEDICATIONS

Causes and treatments for insomnia
Medications for insomnia
Half-life
Benefits and adverse reactions
Case study

LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH & POTENTIAL RISKS

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Psychotherapists
Case Managers
Marriage & Family Therapists
Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Addiction Counselors
Pharmacists
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Other Mental Health & Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 06/03/2021

Psychopharmacology Update: Medications, the Brain, and Behavior

Does this sound familiar? Your clients are taking multiple psychotropic medications prescribed by different healthcare professionals. You discover that they have no idea who wrote which prescription or why they are even taking the medication. You realize that despite the confusion, you still have a responsibility to know your client’s symptoms, reactions to medications, and to coordinate their care. It’s more critical than ever for mental health professionals to understand how psychotropic medications work, where in the body they work, and why they do (or don’t) improve your client’s therapeutic outcomes.

Are you confident in your role as both the patient advocate and protector to effectively address medication-assisted treatments in your overall care plan?

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from an expert in this recording. N. Bradley Keele, Ph.D., has over 20 years of psychopharmacology research experience and teaches clinical neuroscience and psychopharmacology at Baylor University. He will guide you through the newest advances and contemporary trends in blending medication management with psychotherapy interventions for anxiety, PTSD, depression, psychotic disorders, and more. You’ll finish with the knowledge you need to answer clients’ questions, manage side effects, understand medication reactions, and improve your treatment outcomes.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the clinical uses of the major psychotropic medication classes, including their efficacy and common side effects.
Integrate effective methods to collaborate with patients and prescribers on issues surrounding compliance with medication treatments.
Categorize the potential benefits and risks of using psychotropic medication to treat a wide array of conditions.
Analyze adverse effects and drug reactions of commonly prescribed psychotropic medications and when to alert the prescriber about them.
Investigate current controversies in psychopharmacology, including the use of medications to treat certain conditions in children and adolescents.
Practice selecting the correct medication regiment for patients based on the various treatment algorithms.

Outline

Precision Medicine in Psychiatry

Evidence-based precision medicine and why we need it
Biomarkers and endophenotypes in classifying and understanding mental illness
- The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework
The future of psychopharmacology

”Nuts and Bolts” of Psychopharmacology

Pharmacokinetics
- Administration, distribution, elimination mechanisms
Pharmacodynamics
- Receptor affinity, drug potency, & efficacy

Functional Neuroanatomy

Prefrontal cortex and the control of subcortical circuits
Positive & negative valence emotional systems
The hypothalamus and control of stress hormones
Neurotransmission: targets of psychoactive substances
- Synthesis, release, receptors, & inactivation

Anxiolytics and Other Medications to Treat Anxiety & PTSD

Transmitter systems implicated in anxiety
Medications used to treat anxiety
- Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines
Pros and cons of using benzodiazepines
Discontinuing long-term benzodiazepine use
Medical marijuana and anxiety
Special populations – children/adolescents, pregnancy

Antidepressant Medications

The biological basis of major depressive disorder
- The neurotropic hypothesis
The major classes of antidepressant medications
- Mechanisms of action & side effects
The 5 newest antidepressants
Emerging pharmacotherapies – ketamine and other psychedelics
Medical marijuana and major depressive disorder
How to choose an antidepressant, augmentation strategies
The use of antidepressants in children and adolescents: a cost-benefit analysis
Antidepressants during pregnancy

The Use of Atypical Antipsychotics in Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder

The pathophysiology of schizophrenia
What makes an atypical antipsychotic “atypical”?
- Mechanism of action of atypical antipsychotics
- Therapeutic effects and side effects
The use of atypical antipsychotics to manage schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Special populations – children/adolescents, pregnancy

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Psychotherapists
Case Managers
Marriage & Family Therapists
Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Addiction Counselors
Pharmacists
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Psychiatrists
Other Mental Health & HealthCare Professionals

Copyright : 04/17/2020

Mastering Differential Diagnosis with the DSM-5: A Symptom-Based Approach

Take your DSM-5® diagnostic skills to the next level! This advanced seminar is designed specifically for mental health professionals seeking to master clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis using the DSM-5®, ICD-10 and online assessment tools. The focus of this workshop is on the key symptoms for each diagnosis, common differential diagnoses and frequent comorbid disorders of anxiety, depressive, trauma-related, substance-related, psychotic and neurodevelopmental disorders. Case examples and studies are provided throughout - giving you the opportunity to learn and apply a four-step symptoms-based diagnostic method. Topics include the clinical intake interview, differential diagnoses, online assessment tools to narrow diagnosis and potential comorbidities.

Don’t forget to have your DSM-5® manual handy!

Program Information

Objectives

Conduct a four-step diagnostic process to accurately identify and code a client’s diagnosis.
Investigate common differential DSM-5 diagnoses for clients with anxiety, depressive, or abnormal cognitive symptoms.
Differentiate between overlapping symptoms and comorbid conditions in order to provide the correct diagnosis.
Analyze differential diagnoses for clients who present with disruptive behavior.
Collect the specific information required for an accurate differential DSM-5 diagnosis of clients with a history of trauma.
Utilize the DSM-5® severity tables, assessment tools, and coding notes to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and ICD-10 coding.

Outline

Quick Review of Using the DSM-5 and ICD-10

Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in the U.S.A.
- Use of Two Models, DSM-5 and ICD-10
- DSM-5 and ICD-10 Coding and Recording
Web-based DSM-5 Resources
- Digital Updates
- DSM-5 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measures and Screening Tools

Four Step Diagnostic Method

Case 1: Client with Multiple Problems
Steps to a DSM-5 Diagnosis
- Step 1: Gathering Client Information and Behavior Sample
- Step 2: Identifying Key DSM-5 Symptom Clusters
- Step 3: Differential Diagnosis List
- Step 4: Initial DSM-5 Diagnosis
Comorbidity considerations

Differential DSM-5 Diagnosis Challenges

Clients with Experiences of Trauma or Psychosocial Stress
- Case 6: A Brave Firefighter
- Essential Information about the Client’s Trauma History
- Differential Diagnosis: Trauma-Related
- Differential Diagnosis: Does Not Meet Diagnostic Criteria Set for PTSD
- Frequent Comorbid Disorders
Clients with Disruptive Behaviors
- Disruptive Behavior Symptoms
- Diagnostic Challenge: Case 5: Natalia is a Problem
- Substance-Related and Medical conditions associated with Disruptive Behaviors
- Differential Diagnosis by Patterns of Disruptive Behavior
- Defiant, Angry and Vindictive Impulsive and/or Antisocial

Differential DSM-5 Diagnosis for Common Presenting Symptoms

Clients with Symptoms of Depression
- Key Symptoms of Depression and Dysphoria
- Substance-Related and Medical conditions with Depressive Symptoms
- Mental Disorders with Symptoms of Depression
- Diagnosis Challenge Case 2: A Sad, Overwhelmed Client
- Differentiating Disorders with Symptoms of Depression
- Frequent Comorbid Disorders
Clients with Fear and Anxiety
- Key Symptom Patterns of Anxiety
- Substance-Related and Medical Conditions with Anxiety Symptoms
- Mental Disorders with Symptoms of Anxiety
- Diagnosis Challenge Case 3: Fearful and Worried Client
- Specific Differential Diagnoses
- Frequent Comorbid Disorders
Clients with Abnormal or Impaired Cognition
- Diagnostic Challenge: Case 4: Is She Crazy or Clairvoyant?
- Sorting Patterns of Psychosis
- DSM-5 Mental Disorders with Psychosis Symptoms
- Substance-Related and Medical Conditions that Produce Cognitive Deficits
- Differential Diagnosis when Cognitive Deficits as a Key Symptom

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Physicians
Case Managers
Addiction Counselors
Therapists
Marriage & Family Therapists
Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Other Mental Health Professionals

Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Professionals

Most clients with DSM-5® diagnoses are being treated with a combination of psychological and pharmacological treatments. Newer drugs are being developed to treat mental disorders based on a better understanding of neurobiological contributions to mental disorders and the latest pharmacological research. To provide appropriate services, you are expected to have a thorough understanding of these common and complex issues. As a mental health professional, keeping up-to-date is essential.

This seminar will update and increase your knowledge of:

Neurobiological underpinnings of major DSM-5® diagnoses
Effects and side effects of drugs used to treat these diagnoses
Responsibilities of the non-prescribing therapist to clients taking psychiatric medication

Specifics of the pharmacological treatment and drugs of choice for Depressive, Bipolar, Schizophrenia Spectrum, Anxiety, OCD, Sleep-Wake, ADHD and Neurocognitive disorders will be presented. Unique to this seminar is information on the common types of psychotherapeutic drugs and other drugs that are abused, and methods for prevention and early detection. Throughout the day, representative case studies will generate discussion and examination of the latest drug treatment for DSM-5® disorders. You will leave this program with knowledge and confidence regarding effective and safe application of pharmacological drugs.

Program Information

Objectives

Communicate the neurotransmitter systems and neuroanatomy underlying the biological basis for mental disorders and pharmacotherapy.
Evaluate the role of mental health professionals who treat clients receiving both psychotherapeutic medications and psychotherapy.
Analyze the major classes of drugs used to treat mental disorders and which mental disorders are appropriately treated with each class of drugs.
Analyze the effects and side effects of various psychotropic medications, including antipsychotics, antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants.
Determine the abuse liability of drugs used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, pain and ADHD.
Implement methods for prevention and early identification of prescription drug abuse among clients.

Outline

Psychopharmacological Foundations
Core Pharmacological Principles

Brain structures & circuits involved in:
- Emotional regulation
- Executive function & inhibitory control
- Reward & pleasure
- Learning & memory
Receptors and neurotransmitters important in the actions of psychopharmacological agents
- Biogenic amines
- Excitatory & inhibitory neurotransmitters
- Endorphins & endocannabinoids

Your role in combined psychological & pharmacological treatments

Collaboration & communication with prescribing professionals
Managing the combined treatments
- Referrals for medication
- Client psycho-education
- Monitoring drug effects & side effects
- Promoting adherence to combined treatments

Drugs Used in the Treatment of DSM-5® Mental Disorders

Depressive Disorders

Neurobiology of depression
Drugs used to treat depressive disorders
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  - Effects, side effects and cautions
  - Suicide risk & discontinuation syndrome
  - Serotonin syndrome
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Effects, side effects, and cautions
Atypical antidepressant agents
- Effects, side effects, and cautions
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Effects, side effects, and cautions
- Why were newer drugs needed?
MAO inhibitors
- Effects, side effects, and cautions
Choosing an antidepressant
What if first-line antidepressants do not work?
- Augmentation with antipsychotics
What about herbs like St. John’s Wort?

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Biological theories of schizophrenia
”Typical” & “atypical” antipsychotic drugs
- Effects, side effects & cautions – similarities & differences
Latest evidence-based comparisons
Drugs for treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Other uses of antipsychotic drugs

Bipolar Disorders

Biological theories for bipolar disorders
Drugs used to treat bipolar disorders
- A prototype agent – lithium
  - Effects, side effects & cautions
- Anticonvulsants
  - Effects, side effects & cautions
- Antipsychotics – approved agents
- Combination drug therapy

Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive & Sleep-Wake Disorders

The neurobiology of anxiety-related disorders
The structure of sleep
Drugs used in the treatment of anxiety & insomnia
- Benzodiazepines & Benzodiazepine-like drugs
- Misuse of these drugs in treatment
- SSRI’s & other drugs used to treat anxiety

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder & Neurocognitive Disorders (Dementia)

ADHD
- Psycho-stimulants
  - Effects, side effects & cautions
- Alpha-Adrenergic Agonists
Major neurocognitive disorders
- Drugs used in the treatment of cognitive impairment
- Future treatments

Prescription Drug Abuse

Mental disorders & risk of comorbid prescription drug abuse
Classes of drugs that are frequently abused
- Stimulants
- Sedative-hypnotics
- Opiates
Strategies for the prevention & early identification of prescription drug abuse

Limitations of the Research and Potential Risks

Target Audience

Counselors
Psychotherapists
Psychologists
Social Workers
Nurse Practitioners
Case Managers
Marriage & Family Therapists
Addiction Counselors
Nurses
Physicians
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Pharmacists
School Psychologists
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Other Mental Health Professionals