This is a 6 hour lecture/discussion presentation aimed at bringing psychologists up to date with recent innovations in psychotropic drug development and clinical use. Participants will acquire knowledge of commonly used psychotropics, with a particular focus on those that have been recently introduced, including doses, formations, side effects and interactions. Participants will gain knowledge of how such drugs are optimally combined with behavioral and psychological interventions to improve adherence and outcome. Social, economic and scientific factors influencing the modern practice of psychopharmacology will also be covered. This is an intermediate level presentation, some prior knowledge of psychopharmacological agents is helpful, though not required.
By the end of the program participants will be able to:
The Vermont Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor live continuing education for psychologists. The Vermont Psychological Association maintains responsibility for its programs and their content.
Completion of this course earns 6 continuing education credits. Psychologists licensed in states whose licensing board approves continuing education offered by APA-approved sponsors may earn continuing education credits for this course.
Courses sponsored by the Vermont Psychological Association are pre-approved for continuing education for psychologists by the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners. This course qualifies for 6 continuing education credits.
Continuing education courses sponsored by the Vermont Psychological Association are pre-approved by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation for continuing education credit for licensed independent clinical social workers in Vermont. This course provides 6 CE credits for Vermont licensing.
Morgan T. Sammons, PhD, ABPP, is the Executive Officer of the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. He is a retired Captain in the US Navy, where he was a prescribing psychologist for many years. He writes and lectures extensively on professional issues for psychologists, include psychopharmacology and the acquisition of prescriptive authority for psychology.
Be familiar with drugs commonly used in the treatment of mental disorders, particularly those introduced in the more recent past.
State three current scientific and economic forces shaping the modern practice of psychopharmacology.
Understand the indicated uses, doses, dosing schedules, interactions and side effects of commonly used psychotropic agents covered in the presentation.
State basic principles associated with combining pharmacotherapy with various classes of psychotropic medication.