Basis of Psychopharmacology

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Besides expositions by the teacher, several material (texts, video recordings and group discussions) will be used and promoted.

Learning Outcomes

Students should develop basic knowledge in order to correctly understand the use and the main effects of psychotropic drugs. They should also understand its clinical and therapeutic use.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Principles of Psychopharmacology

Structure andfunction ofthenervoussystem

Chemicalmessengers: neurotransmitters, hormones andneuropeptidesthe

Catecholamines

Acetylcholineandserotonin

Glutamate and gaba

Drug abuseand dependence

Psychosocial aspects related to the use and consumption of psychotropics

The disease-centred model of drug action

The drug-centred model of drug action

Head Lecturer(s)

Carlos Manuel Lopes Pires

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Breggin, P. (2016). Rational Principles of Psychopharmacology for Therapists, Healthcare Providers and Clients. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 46:1–13. DOI 10.1007/s10879-015-9307-2.

Julien, R. M. (2005). A primer of drug action: A comprehensive guide to the actions, uses, and side effects of psychoactive drugs. NY: Worth Publishers.

Pagliaro, L. A. & Pagliaro, A. M. (1999). PPDR: Psychologists’ Psychotropic Drug Reference. NY: Brunner/Mazel.

Pilgrim, D. (2017). Key Concepts in Mental Health. SAGE Publications, Inc.

Pomerantz, A. (2014). Clinical Psychology: science, practice, and culture. SAGE Publications, Inc.

Sammons, M., Levant, R. & Paige, R. (2003). Prescriptive Authority for Psychologists: a History and Guide. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Srikanth, S. & Mortimer, A. (2012). Practice Questions in Psychopharmacology. Springer Healthcare.

Vallejo, M. (2011). Manual de Psicofarmacología. Editorial Médica Panamericana S.A.