Syllabus, Fall '06

Syllabus PSY877: Psychopharmacology
Sullivan Building, Room 104, 4:30 to 6:50, Thurs 9/7 to 12/21 (not 11 /23)

Course Description: We study the use of prescription medications in the treatment of psychological disorders. We explore the indications, usages, beneficial effects, and toxic or adverse effects of medications popular in the treatment of psychiatric patients. We consider the importance of diagnostic, behavioral, and epidemiological factors for these individuals. We review psychological and medical literature relevant for treatment of individuals diagnosed with psychiatric illness. We seek learning from relevant current articles in the popular press.

Instructor: Lawrence Fieman, Ed.D., Psychologist

Contact: Email: psy877@gmail.com  
                   Blog: http://psy877.blogspot.com
Student conferences are available after class, and during class break.

Structure: We learn by reading texts and articles, discussing and debating in class, listening to class presentations.

Rationale: Students will learn basic introductory psychopharmacology: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, overall organization of the central nervous system, drugs the depress brain function, drugs that stimulate brain function, drugs that treat psychological disorders, risk and benefit analysis. Course material will acquaint students with the basics of psychopharmacology, for the purpose of understanding mental health clients.

Grading & Requirements: I require students to attend all classes, except for religious reasons or extraordinary circumstances. I will provide make up quizzes upon special request. I hold all students responsible for all material covered in class, and for completing all course requirements. I assign dates and approve student presentations.

As a student, you are responsible to: complete all readings for each week in preparation for a weekly quiz, follow lectures and ask for clarification when needed, contribute in class, and make two presentations.
Current Article: You will review a current relevant news article, present your reactions to it, and lead a class discussion (15-20 minutes). Submit an article at least one week before presentation, for approval and distribution. Email is my preferred method for submission.
Psychological Presentation: You will present (20-30 minutes) an original lecture on a specific psychological condition, to be assigned. A detailed outline of your presentation is due by class meeting of week 3. Email submissions are preferred.
Include in your presentation relevant: 1) level of diagnostic accuracy, 2) epidemiology and natural course, 3) classes of prescription drugs commonly used for treatment – with their mechanisms of action and risks & benefits, 3) other forms of treatment – with their risks and benefits, 4) effectiveness of various forms of treatment.

Grades: Quizzes (best 10 of 11) 40%, Final Exam 15%, Psychological Presentation 20%, Current Article Presentation 15%, Class Participation 10%.

Guest Speaker: Possibly. TBA.

Reading Materials: 1) A Primer of Drug Action: A concise, non-technical guide to the actions, uses and side effects of psychoactive drugs by Robert Julien, Owl Books, Rewv&Updtd ed., 2001. ISBN: 08057158X.
2) The Truth About the Drug Companies: how they deceive us and what to do about it by Marcia Angell, Random House Trade Paperbacks (August 9, 2005). ISBN: 0375760946.
3) Various articles, TBA.