Psychopharmacology for Adults

Psychopharmacology for Adults

Date
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Time
5:00am 9:15am EDT
Cost
$
Location
Unknown
This program will improve participants' understanding of psychotropic medications used in the treatment of numerous psychiatric disorders. Topics include the pharmacology of psychotropic medications (such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, benzodiazepines) with a focus on polypharmacy, evidence based practices, dosing, adverse effects, drug monitoring, and drug-drug interactions. Additionally, the role of these medications in the treatment of psychiatric disorders (such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance abuse) will be discussed. By the end of these programs, participants should be able to apply the information they have learned in their clinical setting to improve the care of their patients. The last hour of the program will cover four main antipsychotic-induced movement disorders - dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia – with a focus on symptom recognition, screening tools, and management. We will also provide education about misuse of medications for antipsychotic-induced movement disorders, such as the use of anticholinergics (benztropine) for akathisia and tardive dyskinesia. Since psychiatric practice currently relies heavily on telemedicine as the primary mode of patient interaction, our program will give specific strategies for providers to use in patient assessment for these disorders when using videoconferencing.