Psychopharmacology Review

At the conclusion of this program, the participant should be able to:

• Distinguish the differences in pharmacology and clinical uses of psychotropic medications (i.e., CNS stimulants, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics).
• Compare and contrast potential adverse effects of psychotropic medications.
• Assess pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic drug interactions that may occur with drug combinations.
• Monitor the efficacy/benefits and risks of psychotropic medications.

Genetics and Genomics in Psychiatry

At the conclusion of this program, the participant should be able to:

• Discuss the controversies and clinical issues of genetic testing in psychiatric disorders.
• Evaluate environmental risk factors that may impact on the genetics of psychiatric disorders.
• Assess the interactions between genes and environmental factors related to serotonin, folate and vitamin D.
• Interpret cytochrome P450 genetic differences for drug efficacy and safety in treating psychiatric disorders.

Psychotropic Polypharmacy: Risk vs. Benefit of Drug Combinations

At the conclusion of this program, the participant should be able to:

• Assess combination therapies with psychotropic medications for efficacy and safety in children/adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.
• Recognize duplication of therapy for antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics (e.g., benzodiazepines), and anticholinergic-antihistamine agents.
• Recommend strategies for minimizing polypharmacy using case-based approaches.
• Describe situations when combination therapy may be appropriate for a specific psychiatric disorder or patient.