Pharm.D. Program

PHP555 Advanced Neuropsychiatric Pharmacotherapy

Detailed Course Description

Advanced Neuropsychiatric Pharmacotherapy (PHP555) covers important topics in the treatment of psychiatric and neurologic illness such as behavioral assessment, schizophrenia, bipolar and unipolar affective disorder, anxiety disorders, childhood psychiatric disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD), Parkinson’s disease, and other special topics in the field. More than 20 percent of medications dispensed are utilized to treat psychiatric and neurologic diseases, and some studies of primary care treatment show up to 40 percent of individuals presenting for treatment are suffering from a psychiatric disorder (such as an anxiety disorder or depression.). Also, often medications given for non-CNS disorders can affect brain function and behavior.

Activities/Class format
PHP 555 is offered  in a 2.5 hour block in the afternoon in which the first part of the class is an in depth lecture on the days topic, the next third involves a discussion of key papers/studies in the field, and the last portion involves a discussion of example case(s). Students are expected to keep up with assigned readings prior to each class typically made available on WebCT. There is a midterm and a final exam supplemented by two quizzes (often including bonus points) given during each half-semester which cover the days readings. The class aims to get beyond rote memorization of facts and to help the student critically appraise and understand the literature and apply new information as well as the current knowledge base to clinical care.  The class format allows a more detailed and thoughtful synthesis of current thought on topic areas that enable discussion and consideration of the evidence behind treatment practices and how to apply it to complex cases. This class should serve as an excellent bridge to later clinical care and research experiences. The skills developed during this class such as interpreting the scientific literature as well as in analyzing and making assessments and pharmacotherapy recommendations should generalize well to other areas of pharmacotherapy.